The Top CV Questions – Answered
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Should I put a photo of myself on my CV?<\/strong><\/p>\n The theory goes that a picture\u2019s worth a thousand words, and that if an employer can see the whites of your eyes, you\u2019ll instantly seem more real and approachable to them. This would be fine, although it\u2019s so seldom true. Unless you\u2019re specifically asked for a picture, avoid it. You can never be sure of the reaction your employer will have, and the implication is that your appearance is somehow relevant to your application. Unless you are applying for a modelling job, this is seldom the case.<\/p>\n If you are asked for a picture, make it simple and professional. Go to a professional photographer to get the best shot or else take one of yourself in excellent light with your head slightly turned to the side and a friendly smile.<\/p>\n [bctt tweet=”If you are asked for a picture, make it simple and professional. “]<\/p>\n How much personal info should I include?<\/strong><\/p>\n Some people like to include a \u201cprofile\u201d section of their CV listing their age, nationality, religion, interests or marital status. Again, use your discretion. Since a profile of this kind will likely be right at the top of the CV, you had better make sure the information is completely relevant.<\/p>\n For example, if you\u2019re applying for a childcare position, it\u2019s often expected that you mention whether you have a driver\u2019s license and car. If you\u2019re applying for a position overseas, it becomes relevant what languages you can speak. If you can think of no logical reason to include some snippet of personal information, it\u2019s a sign it doesn\u2019t belong on your CV.<\/p>\n [bctt tweet=”make sure the information is completely relevant.”]<\/p>\n How long should my CV really be?<\/strong><\/p>\n As long as a piece of string!<\/p>\n Seriously, a CV should accomplish the task of showing you in your best light – but employers will get bored with something long and rambling. Stick to 1 to 3 pages unless you have a very detailed or technical history.<\/p>\n Should I write in third person?<\/strong><\/p>\n The sentence \u201cJoe Bloggs has worked for several law firms in both Cape Town and Johannesburg\u2026\u201d is written in third person, as though someone else wrote your CV for you. This is kind of old fashioned but completely appropriate.<\/p>\n If you choose to go with a first person route instead (\u201cI worked at several law firms\u2026\u201d) make sure you don\u2019t start too many sentences with \u201cI\u201d and keep sentences short and focused on the main ideas. It shouldn\u2019t read like a diary entry.<\/p>\n