Odd Question - Large Weight Loss on CV?

tHE vAGGABOND

I was asked a question the other day, which I have been wondering about. I thought I would throw it out there. I'm involved with a weight loss group, and also would have done a lot of CV reading at work for one reason or another. So one of the people in it asked this over the weekend.

A lady who has lost *a lot* of weight and is unemployed was thinking of ways to make her CV stand out from the crowd, and was asking if she should put "Have lost x stone over last year" [or words to that effect] under the interest and achievement section.

I said no, that I think its not remotely related to work and could be either spun as a negative or indeed may distract from real work related items, but the more I think, neither is "I like Reading and Socializing" and rubbish like that which everyone puts on their CV, and I guess the weight loss comment shows determination, perseverance and an ability to change yourself and stuff like that?

Thoughts?

jw297

That's an interesting one, I agree it shows a bit more character than saying you like reading and socialising, but at the same time might seem a bit personal, and also could be seen as one of those things that in theory shouldn't be an issue, like age or gender. Does this person have a particular certificate or status that they could mention, like getting WW gold membership? I guess it also depends on the employer - it might be more relevant when looking for work in a gym or something?

metamorphosis

I can see why you might and why you might not.

When i first lost a lot of weight i put it in a CV and while it didn't get me the job it was certainly a topic of discussion (in a good way) during the interview.

Have not used it lately (bar the last job - freelance in a few gyms and it stands out a little for the type of work i think). Depends on the person and the job imo

g'em

tbh I wouldn't, it's opening yourself up for a whole heap of potential awkwardness. Personally I wouldn't bring anything that's based on aesthetics into a CV document and while I can see the reasoning behind it I just don't think it's particuarly appropriate information when applying for a job.

Unless of course you were applying to be a weight-loss expert

rubadub

I think it would stand out as a bit odd, you could put in stuff you did to do it, if you cycle or go walking etc as it shows you care about being healthy.

I remember one standout CV I got, he was doing well and in the end started listing off computer games, role playing games, japanese comics and he just came across as being a bit odd, I was questioning how sensible he really was if he was listing such stuff.

At the interview I could see it casually being mentioned if the walking etc is mentioned, but putting it in writing just would look odd to me.

Dark Phoenix

I can see both sides of it. personally if I were interviewing someone and it was on their CV I would find it a little odd and out of place as its nothing to do with your work history or your activities and its a bit personal. However I have seen far far worse and stranger things on cvs before.

It could be something relevant to bring up during discussion instead as in it could be used as an example of determination, of taking on a project or of showing commitment to something. I am always glad to see people giving real examples in interviews and those examples do not always have to be work related

IamStupid..Not

On one hand, it shows determination and that they didn't give up on their goal when the going got tough.
But on the other hand, it is a wee bit strange and personal.
I'd say it depends on the type of job.

Transform

Would you put up on the CV that you gave up smoking? Reduced your cholesterol significantly? Possibly not, so DONT put up the weight loss story!!

Now if you were a well known TV personality then thats a story many people want to hear but otherwise keep it off the CV

tHE vAGGABOND

What your all saying makes sense, and correspond with what I said to the lady.

But I guess if your one of the 200 unemployed people applying for those 30 hotel jobs in the paper today, I guess you want to do *anything* to make yourself stand out, even stand out as being a bit odd - and give yourself a chance? I can understand the thinking.

Bottle_of_Smoke

I'd put it down. Its a personal achievement, just as relevant as winning a swimming tournament or the other stuff people put down.

trashheap

I wouldn't put it down.
If I was an employer and saw that on a cv, I'd be thinking to myself that I could be employing a potential health risk. Ok, so this woman has lost a lot of weight when she was unemployed...but what are the chances of her putting it all(and more) back on when she is working again?
Not very PC thinking, but still the thought would be there so she'd be going on to the PFO pile pretty quick!

Transform

tHE vAGGABOND wrote: »

What your all saying makes sense, and correspond with what I said to the lady.

But I guess if your one of the 200 unemployed people applying for those 30 hotel jobs in the paper today, I guess you want to do *anything* to make yourself stand out, even stand out as being a bit odd - and give yourself a chance? I can understand the thinking.

if she wants to stand out then she should learn some rapport building skills and show how she is upskilling herself in her field