How Much Information Should Go On My CV?

A recruiter looking through a pile of CVs needs to see information in a certain way. In the same way, when we look at a menu in a restaurant, we expect to see starters, main courses, desserts and beverages laid out in a particular way. Failure to meet the readers expectations leads to confusion. Most people will put that CV straight into the "no" pile rather than waste their time trying to pick out information that should have been readily available.

Your name obviously needs to be included. Please make sure you include your name in the format by which you want to be known. For example, Glenn Hughes, not Glenn Llewelyn Hughes. Whilst I do have a middle name, many thanks to my parents for such a great middle name, most of the people who know me have no idea what it is. Recruiters may feel that you are making some sort of point by including your middle name so please leave it out.

Include your full, correct postal address along with post code or zip code as appropriate. Landline numbers are always a good idea. Personally, I would always include a home telephone number as well as a mobile number. If you do not have a mobile yet, consider purchasing a cheap pay as you go mobile phone- it will definitely be worth it for you.

Your personal profile or career statement. Make sure that following the basic information you include a personal statement. It does not need a heading, just go straight into it. Include what you can do (job title), for who (industry sector), where (geography), and also point to your track record. The employer basically needs to know in a nutshell whether you fit with the sort of role that they are looking to fill.

Your work or career history needs to be chronicled in reverse chronological order (start with the most recent and work back). You most recent achievements are of most interest to an employer and should be shown before older, less relevant information. Remember that an employer is interested in what you can do for them, right now.

Please remember that academic qualifications are gained through academic institutions like schools, colleges, etc. They are different from professional qualifications and should be separated out from those qualifications in a section of the CV of their own. Starting with the highest level of qualification, itemize all your qualifications, in the order: qualification, institute, date (s).

There is some confusion about professional qualifications- people think that all qualifications are the same, whether they are academic (gained through educational institutions) or professional. Professional qualifications are usually earned through a company, service provider or perhaps an individual. Make sure they are listed in order of level of importance. This can be a little subjective but try and put the most important / most relevant first given the type of job for which you are applying.

The last section of your CV is made up of hobbies, interests, other information, etc. This information is a bit like the relish on a burger- not much use without the main ingredient, but it can make the difference between a memorable meal or just another snack. Your interests should be factual. Never put your actual date of birth on your CV. There are many too many people who may want to make use of this valuable personal information who may wish to use it to steal your identity.

How Much Information Should Go On My CV?