If you’ve started your job search, or are getting ready to do so, you’ve probably begun preparing your curriculum vitae – or CV. Recruiters receive many CVs from interested candidates, so you want to keep yours concise, with necessary, accurate information and exclude any nonessential details.

Having a detailed – yet – succinct CV is one way to help with your job search. Here are the items you should include and exclude when writing your CV:

 

Do include:

  • Name and contact information
  • Education
  • Licensures and certifications
  • Experience
  • Academic and leadership positions
  • Personal information
  • Training and titles
  • Grants and awards
  • Publications and presentations
  • A cover letter
  • Uniform font and format throughout your CV and cover letter

Don’t include:

  • Information irrelevant to the position for which you are applying
  • Gaps longer than three months if you can fill them with training or practice – or at least be prepared to explain the gaps if there are any in your related experience
  • Career statements or job objectives (instead add them to your cover letter to keep the CV succinct)
  • Photos
  • Salary information
  • Marital status
  • References (they will be requested when needed)