10 Things Not To Include In Your CV...
Posted 30.11.11
Recent research has widely suggested that CV’s are where most job seekers make mistakes in the application process.
Below are 10 common mistakes made when constructing CV’s:
1. Unnecessary Personal Details
There are a few personal details you should include on your CV: full name and contact information, including email, phone number and address.
But beyond that personal details should be kept to a minimum.
For example your age, race, political affiliation and anything about your family members and home ownership status should be left off as it can leave the job seeker open to discrimination. Any further details the potential employer needs to know can be asked at interview stage.
2. Irrelevant Information
Do not include information that will not advance your work goals. Hobbies and irrelevant jobs you held many years ago should be left of so that your CV is kept clear, concise and focused on the job for which you are applying.
As a rule limit the professional experience you have had to the past 10-15 years.
3. Headshot
As a general rule photos should be left off CV’s. Research has suggested that it is not a job-seeking tactic that’s usually very well received. It can also put employers in a difficult position as it is illegal for employers to discriminate against candidates based on appearance.
4. Salary Expectations
Giving a salary that is too high or low can cost you a job offer. Salary expectations should be left off your CV and if possible left for discussion at interview stage. If you are asked to include salary expectations in your application this should be reserved for the cover letter instead of your CV and you should give them a salary range rather than specific figure.
5. Lies
This should go without saying but research has shown that the line between embellishment and fabrication is often crossed by job applicants.
One of the most common areas for facts to be altered is the timeline of work history.
You should always ensure you represent yourself as accurately as possible on your CV.
6. Confidential Information
Confidential information should never be shared, it can show poor judgement. For example, sharing client’s names, in-house financial dealings etc can suggest to the prospective employer that you can’t be trusted with sensitive information.
7. Reason For Leaving
A lot of people include this information on their CV to explain gaps in their employment history. Be careful if you do wish to include such information it can cause potential employers to make assumptions about your character and situations.
For example: If you were asked to leave a position/have been fired/ experienced a break down of working relationships it can be better to discuss such matters at interview stage, if asked.
8. Overly Verbose Statements
There is a fine line between selling yourself and overselling yourself. Try to avoid overstating the importance of job responsibilities.
Potential employers prefer to get a real picture of your responsibilities/capabilities.
9. References
The common ‘References available upon request’ has become less accepted. Potential employers now like to see solid references lined up and listed on your CV. It speeds up the recruitment process and shows you have confidence in your previous work performance.
10. Too Much Information
Too much information is never a good idea. Employers will probably not read your CV word for word and if there is too much information they may not read it at all. Keep cover letters short and concise and make sure jobs responsibilities are bullet pointed to make your CV clear and easy to read.