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10 Things to Leave Off Your CV

When it comes to the legal profession, your CV should work as a sharp, focussed summary — not a career autobiography. HR Managers and Partners are busy; they want clarity, not clutter. If you’re a qualified Solicitor, Legal Executive or Paralegal, here are 10 things to leave off your CV to keep it professional and relevant:

  1. Unnecessary Personal Details

You don’t need to include your date of birth, marital status, or full address. Your name, phone number, email, and general location (e.g. “Leeds, West Yorkshire”) are enough.

  1. Photograph

This isn’t standard in the UK and can distract from your experience. Stick to a clean, well-structured format instead.

  1. A Generic Objective Statement

“Seeking a challenging role in a dynamic firm” says nothing of value. Tailor your summary to your skills and what you bring to the role.

 

  1. Irrelevant Job Roles

If you worked in retail or hospitality 15 years ago, it’s time to drop it. Focus on the last 10–15 years of relevant legal experience.

  1. Excessive Detail on Early Roles

Junior fee earner or training contract roles don’t need a paragraph each. A brief mention will do if you’re now 5+ years PQE.

  1. Hobbies & Interests

Unless they genuinely support your application (e.g. business development/networking skills, charity work), they’re not necessary. Space is better spent on legal achievements.

 

  1. References

No need to include referees or “references available on request” — it’s assumed and just takes up space. These can be provided later.

  1. Overly Technical Jargon

Stick to clear, concise descriptions. Avoid too much internal firm language or abbreviations only your current employer would recognise.

  1. Outdated IT Skills

Listing Microsoft Word or email proficiency is redundant in most legal roles. Instead, mention legal-specific systems, like case management experience, if relevant (e.g. Proclaim, LEAP).

  1. Overly Long CVs

More than 3 pages? Time for a trim. Aim for 2 pages (3 max if you’re very senior) and keep formatting clean and consistent.

Final Thought

Your CV is your first impression — not your life story. Be selective, strategic, and remember: less is often more.

 

Claire Cox is a qualified, non-practising Solicitor, with a comprehensive understanding of the legal profession and a proven track record of delivering results with over 20 years legal recruitment experience.

Visit Bailey Hunter or contact Claire Cox for a confidential chat:

www.baileyhunter.com

Tel: 0113 3185293 Mob: 07786 224036

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