In the world of job applications, your CV is your professional passport. It showcases your skills, experiences, and achievements. But there’s more to you than just your professional life. The “Tell Us Something That is Not on Your CV” prompt is an opportunity to reveal your unique personality, passions, and perspectives. This simple question can be a game-changer in your job application process.
Tell Us Something that is Not on Your CV?
Why is This Question Important?
Employers often use this question to:
- Assess your personality: They want to know who you are as a person, beyond your professional roles.
- Evaluate your creativity: How you answer this question can demonstrate your ability to think outside the box.
- Gauge your cultural fit: Your answer can reveal if you align with the company’s values and work culture.
How to Approach This Question
- Understand the Purpose:
- Reflect on your values: What are your core values and beliefs?
- Identify your passions: What are you passionate about outside of work?
- Consider your unique skills: What skills do you have that aren’t directly related to your professional experience?
- Choose a Relevant Story:
- Relate to the job: The story you choose should be relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Highlight your strengths: Your story should showcase your skills, abilities, and personality traits.
- Keep it concise: A short and impactful story is more effective than a long, rambling one.
- Craft a Compelling Narrative:
- Start with a strong hook: Grab the reader’s attention from the beginning.
- Use vivid language: Paint a picture with your words.
- Show, don’t tell: Use examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
- End with a powerful conclusion: Leave a lasting impression.
Example Stories
Here are some examples of how you can answer the “Tell Us Something That is Not on Your CV” prompt:
Example 1: The Passionate Volunteer
- Prompt: Tell us something that is not on your CV.
- Response: “I’ve always been passionate about giving back to my community. For the past five years, I’ve volunteered at a local animal shelter. I spend my weekends caring for abandoned animals, from feeding and cleaning to socializing and finding them loving homes. This experience has taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and dedication. It’s also helped me develop strong organizational and time-management skills.”
Example 2: The Creative Hobbyist
- Prompt: Tell us something that is not on your CV.
- Response: “In my spare time, I love to paint. It’s a great way for me to express my creativity and relieve stress. I’ve even started selling some of my paintings online. This hobby has taught me the importance of perseverance, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.”
Example 3: The Global Traveler
- Prompt: Tell us something that is not on your CV.
- Response: “I’ve had the opportunity to travel to over 20 countries. These experiences have broadened my horizons, challenged my perspectives, and taught me the value of cultural diversity. I’m fluent in Spanish and can communicate effectively with people from all walks of life. These skills have been invaluable in my professional career.”
Tips for a Successful Response
- Be authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
- Be positive: Focus on your strengths and accomplishments.
- Be specific: Use concrete examples to illustrate your points.
- Be concise: Keep your answer focused and to the point.
- Proofread carefully: Typos and grammatical errors can make a bad impression.
By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can craft a compelling response to the “Tell Us Something That is Not on Your CV” prompt. Remember, this is your chance to shine and show your unique personality.
FAQs
1. How do you answer “Tell us something that’s not on your CV”?
A good answer highlights a personal story, hobby, or experience that demonstrates qualities relevant to the role, such as resilience, creativity, or interpersonal skills. For example:
“One thing not on my CV is my love for volunteering at animal shelters. It has taught me patience and empathy, and I enjoy being part of something that makes a direct impact. This experience has strengthened my ability to connect with people and work collaboratively in diverse environments.”
2. What’s the most interesting thing about you that’s not on your CV?
“The most interesting thing about me is my experience as a self-taught photographer. I’ve traveled to over 10 countries capturing landscapes and cultural moments. Photography has sharpened my attention to detail and my creative thinking—skills I bring into my professional life as well.”
3. What’s one thing we won’t see on your resume?
“You won’t see my passion for mentoring others. I’ve helped friends and colleagues navigate career challenges and prepare for interviews, which has been rewarding and has enhanced my leadership and coaching skills.”
4. Tell us something about you not on your CV (minimum 5 sentences):
“While my CV focuses on my academic and professional achievements, one of my greatest strengths is my adaptability. I once organized a community event in just two weeks when the original lead dropped out unexpectedly. I coordinated logistics, reached out to sponsors, and ensured the event was a success. This experience reinforced my ability to think quickly, stay calm under pressure, and bring people together to achieve a shared goal. These qualities are not listed on my CV but are integral to who I am and how I work.”
5. Tell us something that is not on your CV for freshers:
“Something not on my CV is my commitment to continuous learning. For example, I’ve recently started learning coding through free online platforms to expand my technical knowledge. This self-initiative reflects my curiosity and willingness to take on challenges, even outside formal education or work environments.”
6. Please tell us something about yourself that is not captured in your application:
“One aspect not captured in my application is my love for storytelling. I enjoy writing short stories in my free time, and this hobby has enhanced my communication and creativity. It also helps me approach challenges with unique perspectives and connect with people on a deeper level. This passion complements my professional skills by fostering clear, engaging, and impactful communication.”
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