CVPebble
A CV is a selection, not a life archive. Every line should help the reader understand your fit for this job. Columbia Career Education lists contact details, dated experience, education and skills among the main sections; a summary is optional. Other information needs a reason to be there.
1. Salary history usually stays off
The NRWA advises keeping salary and reasons for leaving off a resume. If application instructions ask for salary expectations, answer where requested and distinguish your expectations from past pay. Check local guidance if a request concerns sensitive salary history. Do not invent a figure or put a placeholder number in a required field just to get past it.
2. Keep reasons for leaving brief and relevant
Usually, the CV focuses on your work rather than why each role ended. If a form or interviewer asks, answer honestly and briefly. A factual label such as "fixed-term contract completed" can sometimes clarify a short role. A long account of a disagreement rarely helps the reader assess your contribution.
3. Do not fill every personal-information field
Age, marital status and similar details are normally unnecessary in many markets. Local conventions vary, so check the country and application instructions. Do not add sensitive information merely because a template has a field. Check the legitimacy and purpose of a request before sharing identity numbers, bank details or other private information.
4. Choose experience, never change the facts
Columbia notes that experience may include all or selected roles, depending on your history. An old or irrelevant job can often come off a tailored CV. Keep the dates and titles of listed roles accurate; do not stretch them to hide an omitted role. A full employment-history form is different: complete the history it asks for.
Frequently asked questions
What if the advert asks for salary expectations?
Follow the instructions about where to answer, often an application form or cover letter. Give considered expectations rather than adding salary history by habit.
Can I leave off a very short job?
A brief, irrelevant role can often be omitted from a selective CV. Never alter the dates of other roles, and complete forms that ask for full employment history.
Should I include a photo?
Check the destination and employer instructions. Photos are normally left out of ordinary US, UK and Canadian applications; conventions differ elsewhere. Our country-aware photo guide explains what to check.
Sources and scope
Original general guidance informed by the sources below. Reviewed 2 November 2026. Follow the employer’s instructions. No interview, hiring or ATS result is guaranteed.
