5 CV Mistakes to Avoid as a Student Applying for Jobs in Sharjah

[Stanley]

Mistake: Including a photograph of yourself. Why it matters: In the UAE, adding a photo to your CV is not the standard practice and is often advised against unless specifically requested by the employer (e.g., for a modeling or acting role). It can introduce unconscious bias and takes up valuable space that should be used for your skills and achievements. Example: A CV header with your name, contact details, and a professional-looking portrait. Fix: Omit the photograph entirely. Use the header space for your name, a professional email address, your UAE phone number (with the +971 code), and a link to your LinkedIn profile. Insight: Employers in Sharjah and across the UAE prioritize your qualifications and fit for the role. Keeping your CV focused on your capabilities presents you as a serious, professional candidate.

[DeEthan]

Mistake: Listing every single academic course or module. Why it matters: As a student, your academic background is important, but a CV is not your official transcript. Overloading it with every course you've taken dilutes the impact of the most relevant ones and wastes the recruiter's limited time. They want to see how your specific knowledge applies to the job. For a comprehensive understanding of structuring the education section correctly, refer to https://us.ok.com/ask_news/how-to-write-a-cv-in-the-uae-2026-guide-for-job-seekers/. Example: Under "Education," having a bulleted list of 15+ course names like "Introduction to Sociology" for a marketing internship application. Fix: Create a "Relevant Coursework" subsection. List only 3-5 key courses that directly relate to the job you're applying for, and consider adding a brief note on a key project or skill gained from each. Insight: Selectivity demonstrates that you understand the job's requirements and can curate information—a valuable professional skill in itself.

[ValentinaAnn]

Mistake: Using an unprofessional email address or casual language. Why it matters: Your email address is often the first impression. An address like "[e-mail]" or "[e-mail]" immediately undermines your professionalism. Similarly, using slang, emojis, or overly casual phrases ("Hey there!", "I'm a super hard worker!") makes you seem immature. Example: Contact line: "Email: [e-mail] | Objective: To get a cool job where I can hang and learn stuff." Fix: Create a simple email address using your name (e.g., [e-mail]). Use formal, clear language throughout your CV, starting with a professional summary or objective statement. Insight: The business culture in Sharjah is formal and respectful. A polished CV shows you respect the employer and the opportunity.

[AaronAnn]

Mistake: Including irrelevant personal details like marital status, nationality, parents' professions, or a full mailing address. Why it matters: In most modern professional contexts, these details are irrelevant to your ability to perform a job and can lead to bias. Including your full physical address is also unnecessary and a privacy concern; the city (Sharjah) is sufficient. Focus on what you can do, not who you are personally. To ensure your CV aligns with UAE best practices, a detailed guide is available at https://us.ok.com/ask_news/how-to-write-a-cv-in-the-uae-2026-guide-for-job-seekers/. Example: A "Personal Details" section listing: "Date of Birth: 01/01/2002, Nationality: Indian, Marital Status: Single, Father's Occupation: Engineer." Fix: Remove these sections entirely. Your "Personal Details" should be limited to: Name, Professional Email, Phone Number (with UAE code), City of Residence (Sharjah), and LinkedIn profile URL. Insight: A streamlined CV that focuses solely on professional qualifications is more powerful and is the expected standard for multinational and leading local companies in the UAE.

[VanAshley]

Mistake: Writing "References available upon request" or listing your references directly. Why it matters: This is considered outdated and wastes space. Employers assume you will provide references if they reach that stage in the hiring process. Listing them upfront can also expose your contacts to unsolicited communication. Example: A final section titled "References" with the names, titles, and contact details of two professors. Fix: Remove this line entirely. Use the space to expand on your projects, skills, or achievements. Have a separate, prepared reference list with 2-3 contacts ready to share only when formally asked. Insight: Every line on a student's CV is precious real estate. Use it to sell your skills and potential, not to state the obvious.