How much information should you disclose on your CV?

Although lying (or even stretching the truth) on your CV is most definitely a bad idea, this doesn’t mean you need to include every last detail about your past career and background. Some information is better left for the interview – or not disclosed at all.

Why you left previous jobs
Some application forms require you to give a reason for leaving each job, but you don’t need to volunteer this information on your CV. You might want to explain a redundancy (write something like “Position terminated due to redundancy”) next to the dates of the job if you think that otherwise your tenure looks suspiciously short.

It’s especially unwise to explain that you didn’t get on with the boss, hated your co-workers or the atmosphere, or that you are still involved in legal battles with a previous employer. But be ready to address questions about why you left a particular job at interview stage.

Special requirements
Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by mentioning specific problems such as limited availability, tele-working requirements etc on your CV. Give yourself a chance to shine first, by writing a great CV that showcases your talents and abilities. If you get to interview stage, particular requirements can be discussed then. (Or leave them until you’ve had a chance to prove yourself in the job first.)

Health problems
This is a thorny area. As far as mental health is concerned, widespread prejudice and ignorance could mean that disclosing a previous history of mental illness puts you out of the running for a job. If you’re specifically asked to disclose mental health problems in an application form, you risk dismissal if you withhold information. However, make sure you include a sentence to say you have now fully recovered, if this is the case.

But on your CV, you can choose to not mention any previous mental or physical health problems. If they’re so far back in your past that they are just not relevant any more, unlikely to reoccur, or don’t affect your ability to do the job, they can safely be left off your CV.

For more information on how to deal with mental health issues, visit the mental health anti-discrimination Time To Challenge campaign.

Photo credit: WorldIslandInfo