5 things you should never include in your CV

April 18, 2018

Hiring managers have limited time to review each application closely. Cluttering your resume with unnecessary information makes it difficult for anyone to find that wow factor.

It is rule of thumb that a resume should be error free. The slightest aberration is unforgivable. But I’m sure you are aware of that. Let’s talk about what you should not write in your resume.

It is not news that the unemployment rate is increasing which means more people are interested in the same jobs you are applying for. Therefore, hiring managers have limited time to review each application closely. Cluttering your resume with unnecessary information makes it difficult for anyone to find that wow factor.

Here are 5 things you shouldn’t write in your resume (writing them is similar to having ‘don’t hire me’ written on your forehead).

Irrelevant work experience

You might think it’s a good idea to list every job you have held on your resume. Well, it’s not. For experts, you should only list roles held in the past 10 to 15 years and only include roles held earlier than that if they strongly demonstrate how qualified you are.

It is imperative to only include past work experience that showcase skills that can be applicable to the role you are applying for.

Unprofessional email address

This can be the difference between you getting your dream job and being dropped out even before the job interviews. Employers look for every reason to screen candidates and emails such as:- [email protected] or [email protected] is one of the reasons. It is a sign of unprofessionalism.

Exaggerations or lies

Yes, you are allowed to fake it till you make it, but job applications are lying free zone – even white lies. You would be surprised to find out how much employers are willing to compromise when applicants have 3 out of the 5 skills required. Just be yourself, they might see something in you that they don’t see in other applicants.

Inconsistent CV format

How your CV appears is as important as the content itself. Squeezing your text to fit one page, using fancy fonts or numbering/ bulleting everything makes you’re your CV less appealing. An employer should be able to scheme through your CV and identify your key qualifications.

why you left your previous company

Your CV is only meant to sell you to a potential employer. It is the wrong place to explain why you left company X. This should be done at the interview.

Trouble writing your CV? Sign up and try the Fuzu Premium CV. You won’t break a sweat!

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Fuzu | June 22, 2018 14:04

Hi Eric, thank you for your kind words. But don't let that shorthand writing slip into your CV :-)

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Imbahare | April 20, 2018 17:48

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Fred | April 20, 2018 15:18

Great advice yet a crucial point there presents a dilemma especially for people who after graduation landed jobs in industries they wouldn't wish to develop a career in.And this happens a lot because, for most people, our first jobs are not normally what we have a passion for....but we do it to help us pay the bills all the same. Here is my point: I held a position in sales and business development for two years(until last year) yet I am now focusing on jobs on project management, coordination, monitoring and evaluation(I have a little work experience there and great interest in that area).Do I leave that business development and sales position out of my CV yet it is recent?And if I leave it out, how do I fill that gap in my CV without lying? Regards

Fuzu | April 23, 2018 07:19

Tailoring your resume for a role you are interested in is important. In your case, you should take time to carefully read the job description to know what exactly the company is looking for. With that in mind,you will be able to position your previously held positions and the duties and skills were associated that are in line with the role you are applying for.