10 Things You Should Avoid Putting on Your CV

Your CV is a reflection of you, and it is the very first impression potential employers have of you. A well-crafted CV can land you your dream job, but a poorly written one can result in your application being tossed aside without a second glance. There is always an abundance of advice on what you should include on your CV, but just as important are the things you should avoid. Career Savvy has identified ten things you should never include on your resume.

1. Personal Information

It is never necessary to include personal information such as your political opinions, religion, or even a photo. Including these details can be viewed as unprofessional and may lead to discrimination. The employer is interested in your qualifications and experience, not your personal life.

2. Typos and Grammatical Errors

Spelling and grammatical errors can make your CV look careless and can potentially cost you the job opportunity. Around half of all CVs received by recruitment consultants contain such errors, so make sure your CV isn’t one of them. Get someone else to proofread your CV, and double-check every detail before submitting it.

3. Irrelevant Information

Your CV should be relevant to the job you are applying for, so only include work experience and details that are pertinent to the role. Adding irrelevant information wastes valuable space and can make it harder for employers to see why you are the right candidate for the job.

4. Hobbies that Don’t Relate

Including your hobbies on your CV is becoming a more common practice, but most employers are only interested in your qualification and experience. Unless your leisure activities are related to the job you are applying for or represent transferable skills, it is better to leave them off your CV.

5. Negative Language

A CV is a document that promotes you and your qualifications, so avoid negative language, and never talk negatively about your current or past employers. Employers are always seeking employees who have a positive attitude, demonstrate teamwork and collaboration, and who can overcome challenges.

6. References

Your references are only relevant once you are in the later stages of the recruitment process. Therefore, there is no need to include them on your CV. By keeping your references off your CV, you create more space for relevant information and skills that are likely to help you secure the job.

7. Lies

Never lie on your CV. Employers will likely conduct background research before offering you employment, and lying about your qualifications or experience is grounds for immediate rejection. It may even harm your future job prospects.

8. Overloading Information

Your CV should be concise and to the point. Limit your CV to two pages of A4 in length and ensure that it includes only the relevant information. The employer is likely to skim through your CV quickly, so make sure that the most critical elements are at the beginning.

9. Creative Overkill

Your CV should be professional, so avoid overusing creative elements. Using bright colors and unique fonts may cause your CV to grab their attention, but it may not always leave the best impression. Stick to a simple, clean format that includes all the key information they are looking for.

10. Jargon

Avoid using too much jargon on your CV, especially cliches, as it can be irritating to potential employers. Ensure that you communicate your experience and skills in clear, concise language that the reader can understand.

Conclusion

It is essential to take time when crafting your CV and ensuring it reflects your skills, qualifications, and experience. Avoiding the ten things above can help give you a better chance of landing the job of your dreams. Remember, a well-crafted CV can make all the difference, so always take the time to double-check for any errors and make improvements that will set you apart from other applicants.