We have recently received a CV from a candidate applying for a job and including the following in his summary at the top of the CV:
“Nicknamed as ‘The Wolf’ to reflect the quality of problem solving skills.”
We think this is the most outlandish thing we have ever seen on a CV and a quick office poll here decided that this was most definitely not something to include on your CV! Comments were made querying whether the candidate had a death stare like The Wolf off Gladiators and wondering if the candidate usually hunted in a pack and tears his victims from limb to limb given the opportunity.
Should your nickname appear anywhere during the recruitment process? I know of candidates who have names they are known by (ie their surname or a middle name) and this can be highlighted on their CVs or job applications, but nicknames are something else.
Many years ago I attended an assessment day at Booth & Co in Leeds (as they were then called) and in groups we were asked to name something that was memorable about us. One attendee explained that the memorable thing for him was that he had once been to Australia and his nickname was ‘Ozzie Dave’. I recall the room going very quiet at this point and I don’t think he made the cut at lunchtime!
We have not yet emailed this candidate back to point out that being nicknamed ‘The Wolf’ is probably not a good idea unless you are a wrestler or martial arts instructor. Definitely not a good idea for a wills & probate solicitor..
