When beginning to create your CV it can be confusing what personal information to include. In many downloadable CV templates it will contain a section for your photo, your age, sex and martial status.
Is any of this appropriate?
Employment laws, particularly relating to equality and discrimination (age, gender, etc) have implications for interviewing and selection.
Consequently the applicant has more freedom today to withhold certain personal information on a CV about age or date of birth, marital status, children or dependent s. It's entirely a matter of personal opinion and judgement whether to include such information.
There is no law which compels or prevents the inclusion or withholding within your CV of personal information that is subject to equality and discrimination legislation.
However, the reality is that while there are laws in most countries against discrimination, identifying and proving such discrimination is virtually impossible at the application stage. So the only initial defence is to withhold the information - or to make it a selling point.
The dilemma for the applicant therefore is whether to be open and up-front about personal information that (you fear) could put off an employer - regardless of the legality of such a reaction - or to withhold the relevant personal information in the hope of being short-listed for interview and overcoming any prejudices at that stage.
However all (most) employer's now days are keenly aware of their responsibilities in relation to employment law and indeed go to length's to ensure that their entire application process is fair and just. A simple notable example of this is that you never see an advert placed for a "Barman" or "Fireman".All positions are not advertised as "Barperson" or "Member of the fire services".
If you need any assistance in creating your CV or perhaps updating your CV, Cover Letter or LinkedIn profile to ensure it makes the maximum impact contact CVExperts today - Email info@cvexpert.ie or call 087 438 7025