Writing a CV can feel like a thankless task, with an endless list of things to remember to include. We sat down with our Creative Resource consultants to ask which things you don’t need on your CV.
Things you don’t need on your CV
- Date of Birth. Not only is it not important, it is also sensitive data and companies shouldn’t be storing it – so don’t send it to them.
- Your childhood. Your paper round from when you were 11 doesn’t need to be on there, just don’t do it!
- Photos. Should you include your photo on your CV? No, nope, absolutely not. Nobody needs to judge your appearance when deciding your suitability for an interview or role.
- Too much fluff. Paragraphs and paragraphs about your job in a bar at uni or too much information about your role on the tills at Morrisons 10 years ago. All great jobs but we don’t need in depth detail, we know what those roles involve.
- Your National Insurance Number. Again, this is sensitive information, stop sharing it with people who don’t need to see it.
- Too much creativity. Unless you’re a creative and even then ‘should I make a design CV?’ is one of our most often asked questions for a good reason.
- Spelling mistakes. We all make typos from time to time but before you send your CV out, make sure to have someone check it over. Many of our Creative Resource Consultants spend time helping candidates get their CV just right. You could even run your CV past a friend or use software like Grammarly.
- Marital status. Again more private stuff you have no reason to disclose.
Need more CV advice? Our top 10 CV tips after over 30 years in the business will help.