The real failure pattern

A CV can be directionally relevant and still lose because the strongest proof is hidden, the target role is too broad, or the wording does not match how the employer thinks about the work.

That is why generic advice like “use action verbs” barely changes outcomes. The real issue is usually missing credibility on the exact requirement stack.

The pages linked below isolate four common failure modes: being ignored, trusting ATS scores too much, being close but not convincing, and being relevant but still rejected.

How to fix the right thing first

Pick the failure mode that matches your current funnel symptom. If nobody replies, you have a shortlist problem. If interviews happen but offers do not, the CV may not be the main issue anymore.

Use one real JD, run the CV to JD Check, and compare the blockers against the problem pages here. That will usually tell you whether to rewrite, narrow, or add proof.

Do not rewrite everything at once. One focused improvement is easier to measure than five speculative edits.

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