 Don't include photographs on your CV | There's often confusion about what you should and shouldn't include on your CV. You need to give sufficient "relevant" information for the recruiter to select you for interview but you don't need to disclose private information - at least not at the application stage. Here's a brief guide about what you should NOT include. Photograph: Unless you are applying for a modelling or acting role, no-one needs to know what you look like. They can be pretty confident that you won't have two heads. |
Date of Birth: This is not only a security risk (especially when uploading your CV online), but it's also age discrimination under the UK Equality Act for an employer to ask your age or date of birth. Yes, they'll need to know this if they hire you, but not before then.
National Insurance Number: Don't ever give your NI number to anyone and certainly don't put it on your CV. It's unique to you and a security risk to include it on your CV. If the employer hires you, then you will need to provide this for payroll purposes.
Bank Details: Similar to your NI number, these details are only required when you are accept a job offer and the payroll department needs this information.
Gender, Marital Status, or Details of Children: You'll be surprised how often people include these details. Again, under the UK Equality Act, employers can't ask for this information - either in your CV or during an interview so don't provide it.
Religion and Political Affiliations: This is a sensitive topic. For some people, religion is very much a part of their being and they want to include it on their CV. But, unless it's relevant to the role you're applying for, leave it off. Similarly with politics - unless your target role is politically focused, don't include your political bias on your CV or LinkedIn profile.
Disability: If you are applying for the role then one would assume you are capable of performing the duties. So there is no need to disclose disabilities on your CV. Exceptions: Occasionally, you may be asked to complete a form at the time of application which covers gender, disability, ethnicity, etc. You may also be asked if special access provisions need to be made for interviews. This enables employers to measure equality and diversity within their organisation's processes. Your responses should not be considered as part of the selection process although, of course, you can never be certain of that.
Reasons for Leaving: There may be genuine reasons for leaving your previous jobs - redundancy, dismissal, relocation, illness, salary, career advancement or career change - you can explain these if asked during an interview. Always avoid saying anything negative about a former employer, boss or colleagues.
References: Do not include referees - ever - on your CV. My boss once received a 'phone call asking for a reference, and he'd previously been unaware that I was leaving! Awkward. Also, your referees will get seriously irritated if they are inundated with reference requests. Wait until you are offered a job before providing references. If you are specifically asked for references ahead of an interview, make it very clear that referees are not to be approached until an offer is made to, and accepted by, you. The best thing about not providing references ahead of the job offer is that you can select the most appropriate referees for each role.
Salary: Do not provide details of previous salaries or packages. Some employers ask for this information but I recommend that you avoid providing details wherever possible as it may weaken your negotiating position. Stay silent on current salary and it may be possible to earn a lot more in the new role. If you absolutely have to disclose it, then this is the only time I ever advocate a little embellishment.
Social Media Links: Unless you're in a creative field (writer, designer, marketer, etc), don't include links to your social media accounts. LinkedIn is possibly the only exception but don't include that unless you have a fully optimised LinkedIn profile and it doesn't contradict your CV. It should support your application - not detract from it.
Silly Email Addresses: You'll want to appear professional so make sure you have a professional email address for use in job applications. A lot of people use their birth year in their email addresses. Not a great idea.
Presentation: It should go without saying that, from a presentation point of view, you should ensure there are no spelling mistakes, typos or grammatical errors. And, unless you are in a creative industry, steer well clear of fancy formatting. Keep it simple and use headings and plenty of white space to assist navigation.
If you need help with any aspect of your career or job search, please get in touch using the links on this site.
National Insurance Number: Don't ever give your NI number to anyone and certainly don't put it on your CV. It's unique to you and a security risk to include it on your CV. If the employer hires you, then you will need to provide this for payroll purposes.
Bank Details: Similar to your NI number, these details are only required when you are accept a job offer and the payroll department needs this information.
Gender, Marital Status, or Details of Children: You'll be surprised how often people include these details. Again, under the UK Equality Act, employers can't ask for this information - either in your CV or during an interview so don't provide it.
Religion and Political Affiliations: This is a sensitive topic. For some people, religion is very much a part of their being and they want to include it on their CV. But, unless it's relevant to the role you're applying for, leave it off. Similarly with politics - unless your target role is politically focused, don't include your political bias on your CV or LinkedIn profile.
Disability: If you are applying for the role then one would assume you are capable of performing the duties. So there is no need to disclose disabilities on your CV. Exceptions: Occasionally, you may be asked to complete a form at the time of application which covers gender, disability, ethnicity, etc. You may also be asked if special access provisions need to be made for interviews. This enables employers to measure equality and diversity within their organisation's processes. Your responses should not be considered as part of the selection process although, of course, you can never be certain of that.
Reasons for Leaving: There may be genuine reasons for leaving your previous jobs - redundancy, dismissal, relocation, illness, salary, career advancement or career change - you can explain these if asked during an interview. Always avoid saying anything negative about a former employer, boss or colleagues.
References: Do not include referees - ever - on your CV. My boss once received a 'phone call asking for a reference, and he'd previously been unaware that I was leaving! Awkward. Also, your referees will get seriously irritated if they are inundated with reference requests. Wait until you are offered a job before providing references. If you are specifically asked for references ahead of an interview, make it very clear that referees are not to be approached until an offer is made to, and accepted by, you. The best thing about not providing references ahead of the job offer is that you can select the most appropriate referees for each role.
Salary: Do not provide details of previous salaries or packages. Some employers ask for this information but I recommend that you avoid providing details wherever possible as it may weaken your negotiating position. Stay silent on current salary and it may be possible to earn a lot more in the new role. If you absolutely have to disclose it, then this is the only time I ever advocate a little embellishment.
Social Media Links: Unless you're in a creative field (writer, designer, marketer, etc), don't include links to your social media accounts. LinkedIn is possibly the only exception but don't include that unless you have a fully optimised LinkedIn profile and it doesn't contradict your CV. It should support your application - not detract from it.
Silly Email Addresses: You'll want to appear professional so make sure you have a professional email address for use in job applications. A lot of people use their birth year in their email addresses. Not a great idea.
Presentation: It should go without saying that, from a presentation point of view, you should ensure there are no spelling mistakes, typos or grammatical errors. And, unless you are in a creative industry, steer well clear of fancy formatting. Keep it simple and use headings and plenty of white space to assist navigation.
If you need help with any aspect of your career or job search, please get in touch using the links on this site.
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