When it comes to writing a CV, knowing what to include is only half the battle. Just as important is understanding what not to include. At Your CV Pro, we work closely with professionals across all industries, helping them craft tailored, compelling CVs that impress employers. However, many candidates fall into common traps, overloading their CVs with unnecessary information.
So, let’s break down what you should absolutely avoid in your CV, especially if you're aiming for the UK job market, and the key personal details that should make the cut.
What Not to Include in a CV
1. Irrelevant Work Experience
When building a CV, it can be tempting to list every job you've ever had. However, if your past roles aren’t relevant to the position you’re applying for, they may distract the recruiter. Always ensure the experience you include is relevant, demonstrates your transferable skills, or shows clear progression in your career. For instance, if you're applying for a digital marketing role, including a part-time role you had as a teenager in a café isn't necessary. Focus on experience that demonstrates your expertise in the field.
2. Overly Personal Information
In the UK, employers don't need or expect to see information about your age, gender, marital status, or nationality. Including these can not only make your CV longer than it needs to be but can also lead to unconscious bias. Stick to the essentials – more on this later – and avoid anything that could invite discrimination or isn't legally required.
3. Photographs
In many countries, adding a photo to a CV is the norm. However, in the UK, it's generally advised not to include a photograph unless specifically requested by the employer. Your qualifications, skills, and experience should speak for themselves – a photograph can lead to bias, and UK recruiters will often discard CVs with unnecessary images.
4. Salary Expectations or History
Listing your current or previous salaries is another red flag on a CV. Salary discussions come later in the recruitment process, usually during the interview or offer stages. Including salary information too early could put you at a disadvantage and may lead potential employers to make assumptions about your expectations.
5. Hobbies and Interests (Unless Relevant)
Listing hobbies and interests can be tricky. While certain interests – such as volunteering or leading a community project – can highlight transferable skills like leadership and teamwork, adding hobbies such as ‘watching TV’ or ‘socialising with friends’ can be detrimental. Only include hobbies that add value to your application, demonstrating soft skills or experience relevant to the job.
What Not to Include in a CV UK: Key Considerations
In addition to the points above, if you're crafting a CV for the UK job market, there are some specific guidelines to follow:
• Avoid outdated jargon: Terms like "Curriculum Vitae" at the top of your CV are no longer necessary. The recruiter already knows it’s a CV, so instead use that space for a strong, compelling personal statement.
• References available upon request: This is also outdated. Employers will ask for references if they need them, so there’s no need to include this phrase.
• Unprofessional email addresses: If your email address is something like “partyanimal123@hotmail.com”, create a professional alternative using your name.
What Personal Details to Include in a CV
Now that you know what to leave out, let’s focus on what personal information must be included in a UK CV.
1. Full Name
Always include your full name at the top of your CV. This is the first piece of information the recruiter will see, and it's essential for identifying your application.
2. Professional Email Address
As mentioned earlier, your email address needs to be professional. Ideally, this will be a variation of your name. Avoid using your work email address for applications, as this can come across as unprofessional or disloyal to your current employer.
3. Phone Number
Include a phone number where the employer can easily reach you. This is usually your mobile number, but you can also provide a landline if you prefer. Make sure it’s updated, and check your voicemail greeting to ensure it sounds professional.
4. Location
You don’t need to provide your full home address, but listing your general location (city or town) is helpful for employers to know where you're based. For remote roles, or if you’re willing to relocate, you can note that flexibility here.
5. LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio (If Relevant)
In today’s digital world, including a link to your professional LinkedIn profile can add credibility to your CV. Just ensure your profile is fully optimised and up-to-date. If you work in a creative or digital field, linking to an online portfolio showcasing your work is also a great addition.
Final Thoughts
Your CV is your chance to make a strong first impression, and what you leave out is just as important as what you include. By avoiding irrelevant information and focusing on key personal details, you'll create a professional, concise CV that stands out to UK employers. At Your CV Pro, we specialise in fine-tuning CVs to ensure every word counts, helping you land your dream role.
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