28/03/2026
Always Update Your CVs! Some details can work against you.
Sometimes I look at some CVs and honestly wonder… are we still writing for 2005 recruiters or today’s world?
There are things that were once considered “standard” or almost mandatory but today, they either don’t matter… or can actually work against you.
Take for example:
You’ll still find CVs with marital status neatly written at the top.
Single. Married. In a Relationship. It’s there at the top.
Apondi, how will your being in a relationship help you get the job? Or does it just take up space?
Then there are hobbies.
“Reading, travelling, dancing, watching movies…”
Onyi, you are applying for a physiotherapist role at an institution but you say you like traveling?
Wagonjwa wako utawachia nani ukirandaranda?
Or, you want to be a clerical officer at a busy office but you have included that you like watching movies.
Ichieni?
Now, I’m not saying hobbies are completely useless, that’s debatable.
But if they don’t add value to the role you’re applying for, should they really be there?
I had "writing poems" as part of my CV for a long time. Of course, I love poetry, and write good ones. But was it relevant for the roles I was applying for?
I left that for literature teachers...and Malala and his colleagues in performing arts where scripting matters.
Another one… Full physical address.
Back then, it made sense.
Today, in a digital world, does a recruiter really need to know your exact village or estate?
And let’s talk about long personal details sections.
Date of birth.
Gender.
Religion (yes, some still include this).
Again… is this helping your application? Of course, here there are exceptions. I have seen when catholic institutions just want a catholic, born and bred! Anglican, AIC, and PCEA churches sometimes do the same.
But for general roles, that shouldn't appear anywhere near your resume.
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