What Not to Include on Your CV: A T/A Managers Perspective

Having been in Talent Acquisition for over 13 years, I dread to think how many CVs I’ve reviewed in that time. Safe to say, I’ve seen it all—from the well-structured and concise to the downright baffling. Despite all the advice available online, there’s still a surprising amount of outdated or just plain bad CV guidance floating around. So, if you’re looking for work, here’s a friendly nudge on what not to include in your CV.

1. Your Family Life

I often see people including details like “Married to Jane for 30 years, two grown-up children, Ben and Sarah, non-smoker.” While it’s lovely that you have a happy home life, unless you’re applying for a role as a contestant on a reality TV show, your family status has no bearing on your professional abilities. Employers are interested in your skills, experience, and what you can bring to the role—not whether you prefer cats or dogs.

2. That Grade E in GCSE Textiles

Your CV should showcase your most relevant qualifications, not every exam you’ve ever taken. If you’re applying for a senior engineering role, listing a Grade E in GCSE Textiles from 25 years ago isn’t just unnecessary—it could distract from your actual qualifications. Focus on the education and certifications that support your application.

3. Job History from the 1970s (That Has No Relevance)

Look, we all start somewhere, and a Saturday job at Hair Flair Hairdressers, 1975–1978 may have been a defining moment in your teenage years. But if you’re now applying for a senior procurement role, it’s probably time to let that one go. Employers typically want to see your most recent and relevant experience—usually the last 10–15 years.

4. Every Single Job You’ve Ever Had

If you’ve been working for 40 years, your CV doesn’t need to be an autobiography. Stick to roles that demonstrate transferable skills and align with the position you’re applying for. If an older job is particularly relevant, a short summary will do. No need for an in-depth breakdown of your duties at your first job in 1982.

5. Personal Information That Could Lead to Bias

Things like age, marital status, number of children, religion, or even a photo can open the door to unconscious bias. Many companies are working hard to reduce bias in hiring, so don’t give anyone a reason to judge you on anything other than your skills and experience.

6. “References Available on Request”

This phrase takes up valuable space and is completely unnecessary. Any reputable company isn’t going to collect references until an offer is made, so there’s no need to state the obvious.

7. Photos

While I appreciate that in some countries this is the norm, in the UK and ROI—where I currently recruit—photos are not needed and can open up bias. And don’t get me started on when the photo isn’t appropriate (yes, I have seen some!).

8. Your Full Address

Another waste of space! The city you live in is usually enough; if there’s more than one (e.g., Newcastle-under-Lyme vs. Newcastle upon Tyne), then include the county. If you live in a big city like London, Manchester, or Birmingham, you might consider adding a postcode to indicate the general area.

9. Outdated Contact Details

You wouldn’t believe how many times I try to contact a candidate, only to find that their phone number is disconnected or their email address bounces back. If I can’t get hold of you, how can we progress your application? Make sure your CV includes up-to-date and correct contact information.

10. Gaps Without Explanation

If your last role ended in 2014 and there’s nothing listed since, I’m going to be contacting you to understand what you’ve been up to. If you then provide further details, it makes me wonder how much effort you’ve put into the application process. Address any gaps upfront to avoid raising unnecessary concerns.

So, What Should You Include?

A strong CV is:

?? Clear and concise – Two pages is the sweet spot for most roles.

?? Relevant – Tailor your CV to highlight skills and experience that match the job.

?? Results-focused – Use quantifiable achievements where possible (e.g., “Implemented a new procurement system, reducing costs by 20%”)

?? Easy to read – No tiny fonts, excessive colours, or weird formatting.

?? Human-reviewed – We personally read every CV that comes in—yes, no AI screening here!

A CV is your ticket to securing an interview, so make sure it represents you in the best possible light. If you’re guilty of including some of the above, don’t worry—you’re not alone! But now’s the time to give your CV a refresh and make sure it’s working for you, not against you.