Things that should be left off your CV

Anyone who has taken the time to create an effective CV (curriculum vitae) understands the time and effort required to produce a CV that has the “wow factor” as it is perused by recruiters and employers alike. The problem faced by many jobseekers looking to construct their own “wow factor” CV is deciding how much information is too much information. The aim of this article is to provide some pointers on some details that you should consider leaving off your CV, maximising every possible opportunity for your CV to have the desired impact and “wow factor”.

• References

References are great to have but really are unnecessary details to put on your CV. Your CV is to be as short and as concise as possible, maximising every inch of space available on each A4 sheet of paper used to create your CV. References are only necessary at the interview stage if the interviewer or employer asks for it, so use the space on your CV wisely so you are best placed to get an invite to the interview. References pay no meaningful traits on a person’s CV. So in other words they are not important until you are considered for permanent employment.

• Hobbies

Employers are interested in the character of the person behind the CV but too much personal information could be off putting to an employer, such as “my hobbies include mountain climbing and amateur dramatics”. Unless you’re auditioning to play the next leading role at your local theatre or trying out for a mountain climbing team, such information at is irrelevant and unnecessary at application stage. Keep your personal life, personal! And maximise every opportunity to get yourself that interview. You may well be asked about your personal interests which would be the ideal time to provide details of your extra-curricular activities. Professional hobbies that could be useful to the job you have applied for can be added to a CV.

• Fancy Designs

Keep the design of your CV simple and easy to read. Try to resist the temptation to include patterns, distracting logos/ images on your CV or even using coloured paper print your CV.  You must aim to eliminate anything that may distract the recruiter, interviewer or employer from concentrating fully on your application. A busy CV really does make it hard for one to focus on so your aim is to keep it plain and keep it simple.

• Lies

It is important to refrain from extending the truth, if you tell lies on your CV you WILL not only lose the opportunity of employment but you may well earn yourself a very poor reputation. Employers are looking to engage reliable, honest and trustworthy individuals into employment. You cannot expect to be trusted or retained in employed if the information you provided on your CV and interview were proved to be false!

You can find CV templates online at everyjobonline.com, or you can also create your own template if you wish. Your CV gives the employer their first impression of you, and you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Stay away from unimportant bits of fiction and stick to the professional facts.

One important piece of information to remember when you are creating your CV, check and double check your spelling and grammar, then check it again. You cannot afford any unnecessary errors.