What should you not put on a CV?

Here’s what not to put on a CV:

• Your private information: Avoid adding personal details such as your marital status, race, or religion because these details aren’t necessary on a job application and could lead to discrimination.
• An unprofessional email address: Ensure your email address is professional and appropriate for a job application (e.g., [email protected]). Avoid using personal or humourous email addresses as they can make you appear unprofessional (e.g., [email protected]).
• Irrelevant work experience: Including irrelevant work experience can make your CV appear cluttered and distract employers from your qualifications. Unless you’re a recent graduate or have minimal experience, aim to only include work experience that relates to the position you’re applying for.
• Negative information: Avoid including any negative information about yourself or previous employers as these details could raise concerns about your attitude and professionalism.
• All types of hobbies and interests: While showcasing your personality and interests is a good idea, be selective about the hobbies and leisure activities you decide to list. Instead, focus on including activities that demonstrate your top skills and qualities that’d be valuable in the role.
• Your references: Rather than directly placing the job-specific references on your actual CV, list them on a separate page so you’ll have more space to write about your work history and qualifications. Also, most employers will include a section on their application form for you to list your referees if they want them earlier in the job process.