CV advice: bad idea to mention family?

[OwenK]

I'm about to graduate from Uni this year so I'm starting to put my CV out there. I've fiddled with it endlessly but of course the main problem is making yourself stand out from every other graduate.

Although I'm still 21 like most other graduates, I've done life out of order and I'm actually married with two children - the eldest was born just before I started my first year, and my second was born last Christmas. Despite this I'm still excelling at uni and am on course to graduate with a 1st or 2:1.

As anyone with small kids knows they are bloody hard work (especially two small boys, not far apart in age). In addition my wife suffered horribly in the second pregnancy and was housebound for a good five months and completely sofa-bound for the last month (obviously leaving her struggling to care for our eldest at the same time).

Because of this I've, in my opinion, been working a hell of a lot harder than most of my peers, who by and large appear to spend their spare time taking various illicit substances and playing Gran Turismo and still don't turn up, submit assignments or pass tests half the time.


Is it worth mentioning my semi-unusual circumstances on my CV? Is an employer going to see it and draw from it that I'm a mature, committed, driven, flexible person? Or are they going to think it's annoying waffle and misguided self-promotion?

For the record I'm studying Motorsport Engineering and aiming for a position in the automotive industry, specifically design engineering.

Many thanks.

[dave9]

I wouldn't say either way. Your married life/children is irrelevant.

I would mention it if brought up in conversation but I wouldn't mention anything like that on your cv - they will either like it or think it odd, either way there is no point in putting it down.

[Ultuous]

I certainly wouldn't shy away from it (unless you're planning on a Motorsport job or similar with plenty of travel/ ridiculously long hours that may give them commitment worries)...

I've been in Automotive since I graduated (some 12 years ago this year!) and if I'm honest I found the biggest problem in my first few years was being taken seriously, as it's an industry where age and experience can be noticed more than actual results at times...

I've also mentored post-grad students in the past and been asked by their line managers to have a quiet word with them about coming in smelling of drink (despite doing a fine job) on a Friday morning - showing maturity beyond your years may well be good thing!

Edited by Ultuous on Wednesday 2nd February 19:54

[plenty]

Owen, it was good to meet you and family this weekend.

I would mention it in your CV but don't make too big a deal of it. Put it matter-of-factly alongside your address and other personal details - "married, with two children". That way it won't come across as strange or boastful, but just might pique an employer's interest.

When you get to interview stage you should definitely emphasise your personal situation. It demonstrates not only maturity, but an ability to multitask and operate under time constraints and pressure - all valuable qualities for employers. In fact as somebody who sees quite a few CVs and interviewees I would say that I would look for these kinds of soft skills first and foremost. Hard skills and expertise can be taught - it's not so easy to train someone to work hard and take things seriously.

[OwenK]

Thanks for the advice all.

Good to meet you too, plenty - hope to see you at another meet/run sometime soon. Shame we lost you just before arriving & didn't see you again after that - wanted to express my thanks at being a great convoy leader. I've lived in Herts two years now and been desperately searching for some good driving roads, you've opened my eyes to some, especially that perilous descent by Whipsnade

Useful advice. I'll do as you suggested, mention it on the CV but talk about it at interview, glad to hear that you think it'd be worth something - bloody hard work!