If you want to experience any success with your job hunt, then you have to make sure that you get your CV right. Your CV is essentially your chance to convince your employer that you are right for the role and that they should choose you over the other applicants that they have. First impressions are everything here, so take your time and go through your CV to make sure that it is the best that it can be.

Age and Date of Birth

Your age doesn’t impact your ability to do the job. For this reason, it doesn’t need to be on your CV. Any employer should be measuring your ability based on your years of experience, and not how old you are. In the UK, it is actually illegal for any employer to discriminate against candidates based on their age alone, therefore you really don’t need it to be on your CV.

Marital Status

This is very similar to your age. Your marital status, and even the amount of children you have has no place on your CV. These are actually protected characteristics thanks to the Equality Act 2010, so if you have information like this on your CV then take it off right away.

Being out of Work

Not many people are lucky enough to have a smooth career trajectory. You’ll probably have a few bumps here and there, and this is normal. Your reason for being out of work really doesn’t have a place on your CV though, for a few reasons. To start with, your CV is a document which showcases your most relevant skills and even your abilities too. You don’t want to waste precious space by listing why you were out of work, as this could convince your potential employer that you’re not actually great for the job after all.

Secondly, some personal circumstances may fall under the Equality Act of 2010. This can include being pregnant or even being on maternity leave. If you were caring for someone or if you were wrapped up with a personal situation then don’t list it. It’s your private information, and you have the right to keep it that way.

Photo

In some countries, it is customary for you to have a headshot. In the UK, it’s not required. The last thing that you need is age discrimination on your CV.

Your Address

Listing your address on your CV was once a requirement. In this day and age, you only need to put down your town and country. If you feel as though where you live is going to negatively impact your choices, then don’t be afraid to miss it out entirely.

CV as the Title

So many people make the mistake of putting “CV” or “Curriculum Vitae” at the top of their resume. This is outdated, and not required. Put your name instead.

Work Experience that’s Not Relevant

It’s so important that you tailor your CV to the job. Don’t be afraid to cut out any irrelevant details, as this will help you to refine your CV while also helping you to cater it more towards the position itself.