As the new year begins, many young people will be entering the job market for the first time, while others will be reapplying for roles. I felt it was important to share tips on how to make your CV stand out without including unnecessary information. This comes from my recent observation of numerous job applications, where it’s clear that not everyone knows what to include—and what to leave out—on a CV. While it may seem like common knowledge, the number of CVs I’ve reviewed lately suggests otherwise.

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