•  References do not need to be included. They can be taken up later on.

• Salary details - this is your negotiation point, so leave discussion about this to a much later stage.

•  Photographs can instantly create bias, so always avoid including them.

• Health details, unless your health is good.

•  Reasons for leaving or early mistakes in your career. These will not help you get on the short list.

•  Gimmicks.

• Spelling mistakes.

•  Children's ages, as they can emphasise your age or a potential problem with relocation because of schools.

•  Negative information.

Copyright 1998 Times Newspapers Ltd.