15 Things That Should Never Be in Your CV
Hiring managers receive an average of 75 CVs per position they post, according to CareerBuilder.com. So they don’t have the time or resources to review each one closely, and spend approximately six seconds on their initial “fit/no fit” decision.
If you want to pass that test, you need to have some solid qualifications — and the perfect CV to highlight them.
Here are 15 things you should never include:
1. An objective
If you applied, it’s already obvious you want the job.
The exception: If you’re in a unique situation, such as changing industries completely, it may be useful to include a brief summary.
2. Personal stuff
Don’t include your marital status, religious preference, or Social Security number (if you’re applying for a job in America).
This might have been the standard in the past, but this information is now illegal or highly discouraged for your employer to ask from you, so there’s no need to include it.
3. Blatant lies
A CareerBuilder survey asked 2,000 hiring managers for memorable CV mistakes, and blatant lies were a popular choice. One candidate claimed to be the former CEO of the company to which he was applying, another claimed to be a Nobel Prize winner, and one more claimed he attended a college that didn’t exist.
About 42 per cent of employers surveyed said they would consider a candidate who met only three out of five key qualifications for a specific role.
4. Irrelevant work experience
Yes, you might have been the “master of something” during your school years. But unless you are planning on redeeming that title, it is time to get rid of all that clutter.
Past work experience that might not appear to be directly relevant to the job at hand might show another dimension, depth, ability, or skill that actually is relevant or applicable.
Only include this experience if it really showcases additional skills that can translate to the position you’re applying for.
5. Your hobbies
Nobody cares.
If it’s not relevant to the job you’re applying for, it’s a waste of space and a waste of the company’s time.
to be continued.
