Information You Should NEVER Include In Your CV

Hiring managers have limited time to review each application closely. Cluttering your resume with unnecessary information makes it difficult for anyone to find that wow factor.

It is rule of thumb that a resume should be error free. The slightest aberration is unforgivable. But I’m sure you are aware of that. Let’s talk about what you should not write in your resume.

It is not news that the unemployment rate is increasing which means more people are interested in the same jobs you are applying for. Therefore, hiring managers have limited time to review each application closely.

Cluttering your resume with unnecessary information makes it difficult for anyone to find that wow factor.

Here are things you shouldn’t write in your resume (writing them is similar to having ‘don’t hire me’ written on your forehead).

Irrelevant work experience

You might think it’s a good idea to list every job you have held on your resume. Well, it’s not. For experts, you should only list roles held in the past 10 to 15 years and only include roles held earlier than that if they strongly demonstrate how qualified you are.

It is imperative to only include past work experience that showcase skills that can be applicable to the role you are applying for.

Unprofessional email address

This can be the difference between you getting your dream job and being dropped out even before the job interviews. Employers look for every reason to screen candidates and emails such as:-  playa4life@gmail.com or prettyx@yahoo.com is one of the reasons. It is a sign of unprofessionalism.

Exaggerations or lies

Yes, you are allowed to fake it till you make it, but job applications are lying free zone – even white lies. You would be surprised to find out how much employers are willing to compromise when applicants have 3 out of the 5 skills required. Just be yourself, they might see something in you that they don’t see in other applicants.

Inconsistent CV format

How your CV appears is as important as the content itself. Squeezing your text to fit one page, using fancy fonts or numbering/ bulleting everything makes you’re your CV less appealing. An employer should be able to scheme through your CV and identify your key qualifications.

Why you left your previous company

Your CV is only meant to sell you to a potential employer. It is the wrong place to explain why you left company X. This should be done at the interview.

Personal Identification Details/Personal Info

With the rising Identity theft cases and cyber crimes, including info like your ID Number, Tax PIN, and any official documents details in your CV when applying for random jobs is not necessary. Unless specified in the requirements, keep your CV short and professional.

Other personal information like Marital Status and Religion shouldn’t be included as they might be used to discriminate you. In an ideal world, some organizations make it appear as if that info (marital status, gender, dependents…) would be a plus..employing women, consider dependents etc But sadly, in reality – even in organizations that should know better- it harms more than helps.

With that said, it is advisable to customize each CV you send out according to the Job Description, including info that will favor you and removing less relevant details.

Happy Job Hunting.

This article was adopted from Fuzu – Africa’s leading career development platform.