Writing a CV can be a pain, especially when you’re applying for multiple jobs. But there are some things that, no matter the job, you should always keep off it! These include…
Your own personal catchphrase or motto.
Explaining that you value hard work, or what your career goals are, is completely acceptable (and to be honest, expected). But (and I wish I was kidding) I’ve seen applications where “TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAMWORK” is in bold across the top of the CV. In quotes.
Your picture.
Are you planning on being hired for your looks? Of course not. So why put them on your list of qualifications? Unless you’re looking for a modelling job, there’s no reason to have this on your CV. It has more potential to backfire than it does to help you; you don’t want to show that you’re not taking your application seriously by including it, nor do you want your employer comparing your real life self to your picture…just keep it out!
Name-dropping.
Yes, your CV is where you list the places you’ve worked, but putting the names of the well-known people you work under is in poor taste, and can make it seem like you’re trying to get a boost on someone else’s success. If you’re including a name of a coworker just because you think it will help your odds of getting an interview, leave it off instead (you might consider asking your connection for an introduction on LinkedIn—a much safer bet when it comes to networking!)
Your hobbies.
I was once helping my friend with her CV, and came to a sudden stop. Underneath the “Other” section, she had put “Hobbies: Going to the cottage.” Deleted immediately. What does your boss care what you do on the weekends? Your boss might even think “Well, is this going to interfere with her performance at work?” The only time you should mention hobbies is in an interview, if you’re asked. And please pick something better for a hobby: something like your involvement in sport will show that you can play as part of a team, stick with a challenging activity, and value your health.
Contest, competitions, or work experience from too long ago.
You won the humanitarian award when you were 17? You volunteered at a soup kitchen your first year of university. That’s great, but what have you done since then? Even if it’s relevant to your job, if it’s not experience within the last 5 years, you need to ask yourself, is this improving the story of my career or making it seem like I don’t have any recent, relevant experience?
Photography by Career Girl Daily