What NOT to include on your CV

In today’s competitive jobs market, your CV needs to be highly effective.  There’s lots of information out there on what to include on your CV however not much on what not to include.

I’m still seeing CVs with lots of information that doesn’t need to be included.  It’s taking up valuable space that could be used to highlight your achievements.

Ideally, a CV should be two pages and that means space needs to be maximised with the key criteria to get you the interview. A CV is not a record of your entire working history. The purpose of your CV is purely to get you an interview.

Curriculum Vitae

CVs have been around for a few decades (just like some of the recruiters, me!). Recruiters know it’s a CV. So don’t take up loads of space writing “Curriculum Vitae” at the top of the document with bigger font than your name.

Referees

There’s no need to include names and addresses of referees anymore. The big corporate companies are likely to outsource background checks to the experts (HireRight®) and they are likely to gather lots of information on their own application forms.

If a company wants to take up references they will have their own criteria as to who they would prefer the referee’s to be.  For example, a previous employer or character reference from someone other than a relative etc. So no need to take up space with “Reference on request”

Formatting

Ultimately you want your CV to be really easy to read (scan for key criteria). So, don’t be tempted to add fancy fonts or unnecessary underlined headings.  Keep the formatting to a minimum.

Stick to traditional fonts like Ariel and using bold on keywords is effective.

Sensitive Personal Information

There is no obligation or requirement to include any personal information.  In fact, it’s unlawful for a recruiter to use such information to make a decision about your capability to do the job.

A candidate does not need to include any of the following characteristics on their CV: Age, race, religion or belief, disability, gender reassignment, sex, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and sexual orientation.

Testimonials

I would just like to thank Dawn Moss for her CV review and advice, very in-depth with helpful criticism that’s so up to date. I would recommend any job seekers to explore her help to get the job you desire!  LGS, Essex.

 

Thank you so much for all the wonderful tips and hep you have given me Dawn. Your professionalism, understanding and real care have given me so much more confidence and motivation.  LB, Suffolk. 

 

After trying unsuccessfully to get an interview for three months, Dawn tailored my CV with the result of two interviews within the first two weeks. She is very professional with real attention to detail. I am extremely happy with the service and I wouldn’t have any hesitations in recommending it to anyone. Financial Controller, Essex.