As the year begins and many young people will enter the job market, while others will be going back, I thought it would be important to share ways to make your CV marketable while still not sharing unnecessary information. This has been an observation as I am seeing a lot of people starting to apply for jobs. It is very easy to assume that this is common knowledge, but based on the number of CVs I have reviewed lately, it is evident that not everyone is aware of what should go onto a CV and what should not.

Information to Exclude from Your CV

1. Personal Identification Details

  • Your ID number should never be included on your CV. Identity theft is a serious concern in South Africa, and your ID number is a key piece of information that criminals can use to commit fraud.
  • If an employer needs your ID number, they can request it during the formal hiring process when you have verified their legitimacy.

2. Residential Address

  • Instead of your full physical address, include only your city and province. This provides sufficient location information for employers while protecting your privacy.
  • Consider the risks of sharing your exact residential address with unknown recipients, especially when distributing your CV widely.

3. Reference Details

  • Simply state “References available upon request” rather than listing full contact details of your previous employers or references.
  • This protects your references from unsolicited calls and potential scams while maintaining their privacy.
  • When requested, you can provide reference details directly to verified potential employers.

4. Personal Information

  • Exclude your date of birth – age discrimination is illegal, and this information isn’t necessary for initial applications.
  • Remove your marital status – this is private information that has no bearing on your professional capabilities.
  • Don’t include a copy of your ID or passport photographs.

What to Include Instead

1. Professional Contact Information

  • A professional email address
  • A contact number (consider using a dedicated job search number if possible)
  • LinkedIn profile URL (if applicable)

2. Location Overview

  • City and province only
  • Willingness to relocate (if applicable)

3. Professional Summary

  • Focus on your skills, experiences, and career objectives
  • Highlight your value proposition to potential employers

4. Work Experience and Qualifications

  • Company names and job titles
  • Duration of employment
  • Key responsibilities and achievements
  • Educational qualifications and relevant certifications

Benefits of This Approach

  • Protects your personal information from potential misuse
  • Reduces the risk of identity theft and fraud
  • Maintains professional boundaries
  • Focuses on relevant information that employers actually need
  • Makes your CV more concise and focused

Final Thoughts

In today’s digital age, where information can be easily shared and misused, it’s crucial to be mindful of the personal details we share in our professional documents. A well-crafted CV should showcase your professional capabilities while maintaining your personal security. Remember, you can always provide additional information when requested by legitimate potential employers through proper channels.

Stay safe while job hunting and remember that protecting your personal information is just as important as landing your dream job.

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