How to Include Personal Details on Your CV

What makes a complete CV might seem like a small, mundane detail, but it’s arguably one of the most important aspects of your job application. Imagine missing out on an opportunity just because your phone number or email address was incorrect! 

While your CV highlights your professional experience and skills, personal details play an essential role in creating a positive first impression. In this guide, we’ll walk you through best practices for including personal details on your CV, helping you avoid common pitfalls and ensuring your application stands out for all the right reasons.

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What to include in the personal details section of a CV

The exact information you provide may vary based on the job and your situation, but there are a few key details that should always be included in the personal details section of your CV.

Must-have personal details on a CV

1. Full Name

Use your full legal name, matching it with your LinkedIn profile, cover letter, and any other supporting documents, such as references. Maintaining consistency helps prevent confusion and reinforces a professional image. Should you add a photo? Refer to our guide for adding a photo on a CV.

For example, if your name is "Jonathan Smith" on LinkedIn, avoid using "Jon Smith" or "J. Smith" on your CV. Consistency helps prevent confusion and reinforces a professional image.

2. Contact Information

Email is the primary way hiring managers communicate in the UK. Be sure to provide a professional email address, such as [email protected], and avoid informal or outdated addresses like [email protected]. Double-check that it's accurate and easy to read, as even a small mistake could cost you the opportunity to be contacted.

3. Location

Including your location is important, as some applicant tracking systems (ATS) filter CVs based on it. You don’t need to provide your full address—listing just the city and country is usually enough. For example, "London, UK" works well. Avoid giving unnecessary details like "123 High Street, Flat 5, London," which isn’t needed. If you're open to remote work, be sure to highlight this in your cover letter.

Optional personal details to add to a CV

4. LinkedIn profile URL

Although optional, including a link to your LinkedIn profile is practically essential in today’s job market. It allows employers to easily review your professional network and career history. Just make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and consistent with the information on your CV. For more tips, refer to how to improve your LinkedIn profile. For more tips, refer to how to improve your LinkedIn profile.

5. Online portfolio URL

Depending on your line of work, it may be useful to include a link to an online portfolio that showcases your skills. This is especially important if you're in a creative or technical field, such as graphic design, web development, or writing. For example, designers might link to a Behance or Dribble portfolio, while developers could provide a GitHub profile. For a good example, refer to our UI/UX CV example.

6. Nationality

While it's optional, some candidates opt to mention their nationality, particularly if it’s relevant for work authorisation purposes. For example, if you're applying for a position that requires a specific visa or if your nationality allows you to work in certain regions without sponsorship, including this information can be beneficial.

7. Driving licence

If the role requires driving or if having a driving license could give you an advantage, including this information can be helpful. For example, jobs like delivery driver, field sales representative, or logistics coordinator often necessitate a valid driving licence. In the UK, you might specify if you hold a full UK driving license, a clean driving record, or any special licenses, such as for driving larger vehicles or operating specific machinery.

8. Work authorisation

If you're applying for a job in a different country or require specific work authorisation, mentioning your eligibility to work in that location is helpful and can prevent unnecessary delays in the hiring process.

Interested in how to write the other sections of a CV? Check out our detailed guides below:

• Personal profile.

• Work experience.

• Skills

• Education.

• Courses and certificates.

• Hobbies and interests.

• References.

Common mistakes to avoid when adding personal details on a CV

When adding personal details to your CV, it’s important to strike the right balance between professionalism and relevance.

• Over-sharing: Avoid including overly personal information, such as your marital status, religion, or political beliefs, unless it's directly relevant to the job.

• Inconsistent formatting: Ensure your personal details are formatted consistently with the rest of your CV. Use a clear and readable font.

• Errors: Double-check your contact information for accuracy. Typos or errors can create a negative impression.

• Outdated information: Keep your personal details up-to-date, especially if you've recently moved or changed your contact information.

Tips on how to format personal details on a CV

Formatting your personal details section correctly is essential for creating a professional appearance. Proper organisation and clarity can make a significant difference in how your CV is perceived.

• Placement: Typically, the personal details section is placed at the top of your CV, below your name and contact information.

• Clarity: Use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences.

• Bullet points: For multiple details (e.g., driving license, work authorisation), consider using bullet points for better readability.

• Consistency: Ensure your formatting is consistent with the rest of your CV. Use the same font, size, and spacing.

Key takeaways

• Personal details can be a valuable addition, but they should be relevant and presented professionally.

• Avoid over-sharing personal information that is not directly related to the job.

• Ensure your contact details are accurate and up-to-date.

• Use clear and concise language, and maintain consistent formatting throughout your CV.

Next steps?

Check out our extensive library of CV examples to help you create professional career documents for the job you are specifically applying for.

• CV builder: Use one of the colourful CV templates to help create a tailored and good CV.

• Cover letter builder: Apply with a matching cover letter template which has a clear layout so you can easily personalise it and adjust it to your career goals.

• CV Writing Service: Connect with one of our experts to receive feedback and get quick, professional advice on tailoring your career documents to a specific job.

FAQ

Should I include my marital status on my CV?

While it's generally not recommended, there may be specific circumstances where it's relevant. If in doubt, consult with a career advisor.

Is it necessary to include my date of birth?

It depends on the job and company. Some employers may require it for age-related reasons, while others may not.

How should I format my contact information? 

Use a clear and professional format, such as:

• Phone: +44 1234 567890

• Email: [email protected]

Can I include my social media profiles on my CV? 

While social media profiles can be helpful, exercise caution. Only include profiles that are relevant to the job and showcase your professional side.