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The world is ever-evolving, and with it comes changes in our everyday lives and career lives. The way CVs writing was done a few years ago is now outdated and archaic, so you constantly have to stay atop current industry trends to avoid being left behind.
So here are some outdated things you need to remove from your CV today:
- Objective
The era when CVs had an “objective” section has long since gone. What we have today is an executive summary that shows why you are an exact fit for the job.
If you still wish to express your objective, you can incorporate it into a cover letter and send it alongside your CV.
- Bio
With the advancement of social media, there has been little to no need for this segment. Every professional is expected to have a professional social media account (usually LinkedIn) that says everything about you and what you care about. So, it’s always best to keep your LinkedIn page well-optimised and in good shape.
- Personal information
Personal information like your date of birth, sex, age, nationality, and so on, should be left out of your CV. They serve no purpose in promoting your skills. In cases where they do impact your CV, it could be disadvantageous as you are exposing yourself to potential harmful biases of the hiring manager. So unless a job posting explicitly asks for one, take them out.
- Inappropriate email addresses
You know that funky email you created as a child that you still use? Yeah, it’s time to let it go. The professional world requires a professional email address, and using your once hilariously cool email address paints you as unprofessional.
It is also inappropriate to use your work email address from your former or current employers in your CV.
- Old and Irrelevant Job roles
If you have been working for a long time, there is no need to include job roles from many years ago (except if they are irrelevant to your job application). Most times, they are irrelevant to the current industry needs.
- Obvious or outdated skills
Every job application demands people to possess specific skills, and these are the skills that should be highlighted in your CV instead of general skills. For example, most jobs expect people to have basic computer application skills (Microsoft Office, etc.) so outlining skills like Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, typing, etc, on your CV is unnecessary.
- Cliché phrases
Avoid using cliché phrases that do more harm than good to your CV. Phrases such as team player and fast learner are overused to the point it is unoriginal and give off the assumption that you didn’t put much thought into your CV.
So, how can you write these crucial skills? Show us, don’t tell us. Describe moments, tasks, and projects that convey these skills and qualities.
- Full paragraphs
If you have a long paragraph in your CV, break it down. Bullet points are now the most acceptable format as they make things easier to find and read. The bullet points should reflect the specifics that relate to the advertised job.
- Irrelevant accomplishments or awards
Accomplishments and awards from years ago (especially those achieved in primary and secondary schools) that are irrelevant to your job role should be removed as they have no influence on the recruitment process and may make you come across as living in the past. For example, ‘Head prefect in secondary school.’
- Anything that doesn’t relate to the job you are applying for
Most people include all the jobs they’ve had in a bid to fill up space in their CV. But this practice simply gives birth to a generic CV, which we wouldn’t advise you to have. Compare your CV details with the job description – Are there some things on your CV that are not needed or related to the job? Take them out.
Do not allow irrelevant information to take up space and distract attention from what is relevant.After removing all these, ensure you proofread your CV to weed out typos and hire professional editors to review and fine-tune it.
That’s where having professionals by your side, like the amazing team at TweakMyContent, can make all the difference. We’ll work with you, providing expert guidance and support throughout your job search, ensuring your CV truly shines.