5 Things You Should Not Include In Your CV

There is no denying the fact that we live in an increasingly tough world nowadays. Increasing populations in Kenya and rising rates of unemployment mean that more and more people are applying for the same types of jobs you are interested in. This means it is truly imperative for you to take the matter of your CV as seriously as possible.

Tracy has been applying for jobs on numerous job websites but has not been getting shortlisted or getting feedback from recruiters.  She has opted to seek professional guidance and having assessed her CV I pinpointed tons of things she should never include in her CV.

Here is a list of five things I highlighted that you should NOT include on your CV.

1. Private information

Whether it is your religious belief, sexual orientation, or height these are things that are irrelevant on a CV and are best kept to yourself. There is no reason to put this information in the open for observation because it may lead to discrimination and bias.

The basic personal information that I told Tracy to include is; her name, address, email, and mobile number. This information is necessary for a person to contact you. Make sure that all contact details are current and in working condition.

2. Do NOT include statements of self-praise and emphasis

In Tracy’s case, she wrote she is an award-winning sales assistant looking for a challenging work environment…

No company or employer is interested in what you want; they are interested in only what they want. Cut it out and create a short summary of about 2 to 4 points maximum telling them what your expertise is so that your value to them is clear from the start.

3. Do NOT include explanations for job changes in your CV.

Many job seekers find it necessary to explain why they left a company in the past in the CV.

For example-“Left company because – I had a baby, had an accident, left to avoid relocation, got retrenched, company closed down, left because of no growth prospects, daddy got posted abroad” – The reasons are varied.

Do not give reasons for leaving a company on your CV. The reasons can be misinterpreted. You can give an explanation for a job change when you are called in for an interview instead.

4. Do NOT include your salary details.

Job seekers tend to mention their current salary details or give their CTC (Cost To Company) figures in their CV. They mention it either with their current job or give salary figures for all the jobs that they have worked in.

Including salary details on your CV is a fundamental blunder unless you are specifically asked to. This is because companies have different structures for salary preparation. And if you don’t fit into their structure you may get rejected. They may also reject you because you are over their budget.

By including it, you are creating a reason for rejection without getting a fair chance to be called for an interview where you get a chance to negotiate or compromise.

 I advised her to never include her salary details on her CV; to give herself a chance to discuss and negotiate her salary requirement during the interview.

5. Do NOT include a conclusion statement at the end of the CV.

Remove the oath-bearing statement at the end of your CV that says- I declare that all information is true and updated to the best of my ability – along with a date and signature. It is understood that you shouldn’t lie. Also, it is a CV, not an affidavit.

There is no need for it at all. It is redundant and it just occupies space.

Final thoughts…

Stay clear and concise on what you want to show on your CV. There is so much competition out there; you cannot afford to make mistakes in what you communicate to others through your CV.

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