Common mistakes expats make – and how to fix them

If you’re applying for a job in the Czech Republic, your CV needs to be clear, specific, and professional. Employers often reject CVs that are messy, vague, or hard to understand. Here’s what to avoid – and what to do instead:

Common mistakes:

• Spelling and grammar issues – Errors like wrong spellings look careless. Always proofread.
• No clear structure – All information should be organized into sections: personal info, work history, education, skills, certificates, languages.
• Vague job descriptions –Write where you worked, when, and what your responsibilities were.
• Missing language levels – Use CEFR levels (e.g. B1, C1) to describe your English, French, or other languages.
• Foreign text without translation – If your CV includes French or another language (e.g. certificates), add a short English explanation.
• Generic or repeated phrases – Avoid empty statements like “team player” or repeating “inventory management” with no details.

What to do instead:

• Adapt your CV to the job – Use different versions for different roles (e.g. logistics vs. healthcare), and highlight relevant skills.
• Use clean formatting – Make your CV easy to read: clear sections, consistent layout, no spelling or punctuation errors.
• Be concrete – Instead of soft skills, describe real experience.
• Explain non-English elements
• Write a motivation letter – This is important for expats. Explain why you want to work in Czechia, and why the employer should choose you.

Your CV is more than just a document – it’s your personal introduction. Make it count, and doors in Czechia will start to open.