A CV and cover letter is a professional method of applying for a job. For this reason, it needs to be written in a professional manner.
However, as the working environment becomes more casual in areas such as working time, casual attire and flat hierarchical structures, people are challenged with the fine line between showing personality without coming across unprofessional.
The biggest culprit for this is when it comes to writing your cover letter, and discussing hobbies and interests in a CV.
Another common potential risk is discussing your further dreams and aspirations.
So what’s the simplest way to add personality to your CV?
A correct balance is when you focus your personality traits on those that would be sought after in the role you are applying for.
For example, in childcare or social work, it would be positive to see statements like ‘caring’, ‘always go the extra mile for patients’, ‘incorporate humour into my every day activities’ and ‘cheerful’.
These are not statements you would likely see in an Accountants application – for those you would be more inclined to see – ‘attention to detail’, ‘numerical’, ‘focus on order and setting up robust structures’ and ‘passionate about cost saving’.
You can show how you are a well rounded individual in your hobbies and interests section – show that you are ‘a team player’, ‘active in your community’, ‘care about others and work towards the greater good’ – be it people, animal or environmental welfare interests. Try not to sell the Charity you are working with, more the skills you acquired as a result of working there.
Personality coming through in your application can make you stand out from the crowd and get noticed. You just need to make sure it’s for the right reasons. Strong words like hate, despise, even fight – can put a reader off.
As a general rule, there are 9 grounds on which discrimination is unlawful –which are listed below.
As a rule of thumb, try not to show any major bias in any of these areas in your quest to show personality unless you know it will positively support your application.
- The Membership of the Traveller Community Ground
- Sexual Orientation
- The Civil Status Ground
- Racial Group / Ethnicity
- The Age Ground
- The Religion Ground
- The Family Status Ground
- Gender
- Disability
Gillian Knight is the MD of Kala Management Solutions and has extensive experience within the field of HR. She has assisted thousands of people write job winning CVs as well providing one to one interview coaching to job seekers.