Things to Leave
out of your CV*
1. Photos
The only people who need to include photos in their CVs are models
and performers.
2. Any sort of failure
This covers exams, marriages, businesses, etc.
3. Every vacation and Saturday job you've ever had
Some of these may be relevant while you're looking for your first
job, but after that they're meaningless. This doesn't apply to solid
work experience breaks.
4. The words 'I', 'he' or 'she'
Your CV should normally be written in the first person ('I'), but
you never actually need to write 'I' in a CV. Some people used to
write their CV in the third person ('he' or 'she'). Again, you don't
need to include the 'he' or 'she'.
5. References
These needn't be mentioned in your CV. Don't include names,
addresses, emails and phone numbers. The phrase "References are
available upon request" should be left out too.
6. Reasons for leaving each job
These are often negative points and leave you open to being
misunderstood.
7. List of all your schools
This isn't necessary or of any interest to the employer. But do
include your most recent educational establishment.
8. Salary information
This can only be used to reject your application. If an
advertisement specifically requests this information, you can always
include it in your cover letter.
9. Patterns, borders and graphics
These give your CV a cluttered appearance. Besides, what you think
is tasteful may not be to the liking of the employer.
10. Binders and folders
These will often be discarded straight away, as your CV will be
photocopied, scanned, faxed, etc.
11. Lists of publications
If you're a scientist or academic, include these only if they are
asked for. However, significant publications may be included as
achievements.
12. Very personal information
Don't include your age (although your date of birth is OK), weight,
height, health, sex, race or marital status. It's irrelevant and
some facts could be used in a discriminatory way.
13. Jargon and abbreviations
Avoid using any information that won't be understood by someone
outside your job or organisation. The exceptions to this are
abbreviations recognised industry-wide.
14. Poor photocopies
Always use good original laser prints. Poor quality copies suggest
you're sending the CV out to lots of companies because you're
desperate.
15. Mistakes and typos
Always check your CV for incorrect spellings and factual errors.
Then check it again. Then ask someone else to check it. Errors make
you look careless and disorganised.
16. Excessive wordiness
This is a working document, so keep it factual and don't go over the
top with conversational descriptions.
17. Negatives
Don't be apologetic over what you believe may be missing from your
CV. Focus on your positive attributes.
18. Irrelevancies
Don't include your gap year travel history, previous managers'
names, the middle name that you never use, etc.
19. Cheap paper
If you post a printed copy of your CV or you take a copy of your CV
to an interview make sure your CV is printed on good quality paper.
This will make your application stand out and it costs very little
to buy quality paper.
20. Exaggerations
Stick to the truth. You never know when misleading statements might
backfire.
|
|
Click here to |
|
|
 |
|
Click here to
|
|
 |
