What Not to Put on Your CV: Essential UK Career Advice for 2025

Introduction

Your CV is your personal marketing document—your first impression to potential employers. In the competitive UK job market, a well-crafted CV can open doors, while a poorly constructed one can close them just as quickly. But while much advice focuses on what to include, knowing what not to put on your CV is equally important. Outdated details, irrelevant information, and common mistakes can all undermine your chances of landing an interview.

In this guide, you’ll learn what to leave off your CV, why it matters, and how to create a professional, impactful document that UK employers want to read. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, these expert tips will help you avoid pitfalls and boost your chances of success. We’ll also share real-life examples, actionable strategies, and trusted resources to help you stand out in 2024 and beyond.

Step-by-Step Guide: What to Leave Off Your CV

1. Remove Your Full Address

In the UK, it’s no longer necessary to include your full street address on your CV. Simply stating your city and county (e.g., “Manchester, Greater Manchester”) is sufficient. This protects your privacy and keeps your CV concise. Employers rarely contact candidates by post, and your location is only relevant for commute or relocation considerations. The National Careers Service recommends omitting your full address for privacy and efficiency.

2. Skip the Objective Statement

Objective statements are often generic and add little value. Instead, use a professional summary that highlights your skills and achievements relevant to the role. This approach is more impactful and aligns with modern UK CV standards. Prospects suggests using a tailored profile or summary at the top of your CV to quickly communicate your value to employers.

3. Exclude Irrelevant Work History

Only include roles from the past 10–15 years that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Listing every job you’ve ever had, especially unrelated positions, can dilute your application and distract from your core strengths. Focus on achievements and responsibilities that align with the requirements of the position you want. If you’re changing careers, highlight transferable skills and relevant accomplishments from previous roles.

For example, if you’re applying for a project management role, emphasise your experience leading teams, managing budgets, or delivering projects on time—even if your previous job title was different.

4. Avoid Outdated Skills

Remove obsolete technologies or skills (e.g., “Windows 95 proficiency” or “fax machine operation”). Focus on current, in-demand skills that match the job description. This demonstrates your awareness of industry trends and your commitment to professional development. Regularly update your CV to reflect new certifications, software, or methodologies you’ve mastered. For more on current skills, Reed offers up-to-date advice and templates.

5. Don’t List References or “References Available on Request”

UK employers expect you to provide references if requested, so there’s no need to mention them on your CV. Use the space to showcase your achievements instead. This is a widely accepted practice and helps keep your CV focused and concise. When asked, have a separate, up-to-date list of references ready to share.

6. Eliminate Weak Action Verbs and Personal Pronouns

Use strong, specific action verbs (e.g., “managed,” “developed,” “increased”) and avoid personal pronouns like “I” or “me.” This creates a more professional and impactful tone. For example, “Managed a team of five, increasing productivity by 20%” is stronger than “I was responsible for managing a team.”

Tip: Start each bullet point with a powerful verb and quantify your achievements wherever possible (e.g., “Reduced costs by 15% through process improvements”).

7. Remove Unnecessary Personal Details

Do not include your date of birth, marital status, gender, or a photo. UK equality laws discourage sharing this information to prevent bias. CIPD and The Guardian both advise omitting these details to comply with best practices and anti-discrimination guidelines.

8. Keep Your CV to 1–2 Pages

Recruiters typically spend less than 30 seconds reviewing each CV. Aim for a concise, well-structured document that highlights your most relevant experience and skills. If you have extensive experience, focus on the last 10–15 years and summarise earlier roles. For academic or research positions, a longer CV may be appropriate, but for most roles, brevity is key.

Tip: Use bullet points, clear headings, and white space to make your CV easy to scan quickly.

9. Use a Readable Font and Layout

Stick to professional fonts like Arial or Calibri, size 10–12. Ensure your CV is easy to read both on screen and in print. Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting to make your CV visually appealing and easy to scan. Avoid using graphics, tables, or unusual fonts that may not display correctly on all devices or ATS software.

10. Add Your LinkedIn Profile

Include a personalised LinkedIn URL in your contact section. This allows employers to learn more about your professional background and see endorsements from others. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and matches the information on your CV. A strong LinkedIn presence can reinforce your credibility and provide additional evidence of your skills and achievements.

Tip: Customise your LinkedIn URL (e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname) for a more professional appearance.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Including Too Much Personal Information: UK employers do not require your age, marital status, or a photo. Including these can lead to unconscious bias and is discouraged. Stick to your name, city, email, and phone number. CIPD and The Guardian both recommend omitting these details.
• Listing Every Job: Focus on relevant roles from the last 10–15 years. Too much detail can overwhelm recruiters and dilute your key achievements. Summarise older or unrelated roles in a brief “Earlier Career” section if needed.
• Using Generic Phrases: Avoid clichés like “hardworking” or “team player.” Instead, provide specific examples of your accomplishments, such as “Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver a £500k project ahead of schedule.”
• Overly Long CVs: Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages. Recruiters rarely read beyond the first page unless they see something compelling. Prioritise your most recent and relevant experience.
• Poor Formatting: Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting. A cluttered CV is hard to read and may be overlooked. Save your CV as a PDF to preserve formatting.
• Outdated Contact Information: Always double-check your email and phone number. A single typo can cost you an interview. Use a professional email address (ideally your name).
• Neglecting Keywords: Many UK employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to ensure your CV passes initial screenings. Mirror the language used in the job advert for best results.
• Not Tailoring Your CV: Sending the same CV for every job application is a common mistake. Customise your CV for each role to highlight the most relevant skills and experience.
• Failing to Show Results: Employers want to see the impact you’ve made. Use numbers, percentages, and specific outcomes to demonstrate your achievements.

Illustrative Examples and Case Studies

Example 1: Outdated Skills

Before: “Proficient in Windows 95, MS-DOS, and Lotus Notes.”
After: “Advanced in Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Slack.”

Example 2: Irrelevant Work History

Before: “Retail Assistant, 1995–1998”
After: (Excluded, as it’s not relevant to the current application.)

Example 3: Weak Action Verbs

Before: “I was responsible for managing a team of five.”
After: “Managed a team of five, increasing productivity by 20%.”

Example 4: Not Tailoring Your CV

Before: “Customer Service Representative, 2010–2015. Answered phones and helped customers.”
After: “Customer Service Representative, 2010–2015. Resolved 50+ customer queries daily, achieving a 95% satisfaction rating and contributing to a 10% increase in customer retention.”

Case Study: How a Concise CV Landed a Job

Sarah, a marketing professional in London, struggled to secure interviews. After removing outdated skills, irrelevant jobs, and her full address, and focusing on recent, relevant achievements, she saw a 50% increase in interview invitations. Her concise, targeted CV made it easier for recruiters to see her value.

Case Study: The Power of Quantifying Achievements

James, an IT specialist, updated his CV to include measurable results: “Reduced system downtime by 30% through proactive maintenance and staff training.” This change led to more interview requests and a job offer within two months.

Authoritative External Sources

• National Careers Service: How to Write a CV
• Prospects.ac.uk: CVs and Cover Letters
• CIPD: Writing a CV
• Reed: CV Tips and Templates
• The Guardian: How to write a CV

These resources offer further guidance, templates, and up-to-date advice for UK job seekers.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Creating a CV that stands out in the UK job market means knowing what to leave out as much as what to include. By removing outdated, irrelevant, or unnecessary information, you present a clear, professional image that appeals to recruiters. For more expert career advice, explore our career advice hub, subscribe to our newsletter, or contact us for personalised CV guidance. Your next career move starts with a winning CV—make yours count!

Frequently Asked Questions