Should I put my post-nominal letters on my CV?

One · 13 Oct 2012 at 10:58

After my name I can put 'BSc (Hons), GradStat'. Having read the internet it seems I should use these on my CV as it serves a way for an employer to quickly see how qualified I am. I however would like to read your opinions as I think the internet has a lot of Americans with different customs; they think you should send a post-interview thank you not for example. I know we do have some employers on this forum so it would be nice to see what they think.

[FnG]magnolia · 13 Oct 2012 at 14:47

I wouldn't let the personal annoyance affect my professional opinion that it doesn't make any difference.

Nitefly · 13 Oct 2012 at 14:49

Nah, especially if it's just an undergraduate degree. Maybe when you are a consultant or something.

Mr^B · 13 Oct 2012 at 14:53

Nope don't do it, no-one else does it, it would stand out...and not in a good way.

Dis86 · 13 Oct 2012 at 14:54

CV is pretty much the only time I'd use them. I don't use them on my email Sigor business cards.

reflux · 13 Oct 2012 at 14:58

I have an MA and I never use it after my name. I think it's pretentious unless you've got a doctorate tbh.

Nitefly · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:00

Edit - silly.

One · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:05

Nitefly said:
Nah, especially if it's just an undergraduate degree. Maybe when you are a consultant or something.

How do I mention being a fellow of the RSS then? Remove BSc (Hons) and just keep GradStat or just add a line elsewhere mentioning this?

Dis86 said:
CV is pretty much the only time I'd use them. I don't use them on my email Sigor business cards.

Conflicting views. Damn!

[FnG]magnolia · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:10

Not really conflicting. Most people are saying that it is pointless which it is. It won't do you any harm unless you're unfortunate enough to have your cv read by someone who thinks an undergrad degree is nothing to be shouting about but it won't do you any favors either. Purely personal choice.

Mr^B · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:15

It depends what sort of job you're going for as to why it's wrong to have it on your CV.

If it's a job specifically aimed at someone with a degree, then it's useless information as you assume that someone applying for a position requiring a degree will have a degree.

If it's for something that doesn't require a degree then it'll make you look pompous and may even put people off and/or make them think that you're some sort of Arnold Rimmer type character.

pingwing · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:19

Unless you have a doctorate so you can call your self Dr. I wouldn't.

Then again I am always tempted to declare my self a Lord or a Captain when presented with the option...

sniffy · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:20

I don't have them on my CV. Unless it's a postgraduate degree it may come across as pompous.

One · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:23

Thanks for the input. I think the fact that my degree is the first thing below my name it does make putting the letters after my name a little redundant. Perhaps in 10 years time when I'm leading with employment rather than education it might be more relevant.

[TW]Fox · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:34

Surely the CV is pretty much the only place you WOULD use them? It's hardly pompus - its a 2 page document about you. If you wont use it on your CV when would you ever use it?

Nitefly · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:35

[TW]Fox;22952687 said:
Surely the CV is pretty much the only place you WOULD use them? It's hardly pompus - its a 2 page document about you. If you wont use it on your CV when would you ever use it?

I'd list my qualifications obviously, but not after my name because I'm not a total smeg head.

[TW]Fox · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:37

Nitefly said:
I'd list my qualifications obviously, but not after my name because I'm not a total smeg head.

You'd be a total smeg head if you had it in your email signature or something but on a CV? Really?

Nitefly · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:38

[TW]Fox;22952703 said:
You'd be a total smeg head if you had it in your email signature or something but on a CV? Really?

Yeah. Unless you are some very high up 'expert witness' type person.

One · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:42

[TW]Fox;22952687 said:
Surely the CV is pretty much the only place you WOULD use them? It's hardly pompus - its a 2 page document about you. If you wont use it on your CV when would you ever use it?

Emails and business cards you could; also when introducing yourself to girls. I ask you the question: would you put post-nominal letters after your name on your CV?

[FnG]magnolia · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:44

[TW]Fox;22952687 said:
Surely the CV is pretty much the only place you WOULD use them? It's hardly pompus - its a 2 page document about you. If you wont use it on your CV when would you ever use it?

It's rare to see it on a CV as it's such a terrifically mundane and expected qualification to have. Most people choose not to draw attention to it but I don't think it does any real harm to your chances of employment if you do use the letters.

Kenai · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:49

I would have said it depends entirely on industry and what the letters are denoting. For many people they'd be demonstrating nothing more than the fact they went to uni - for others it can provide a useful summary of educational and professional qualifications, memberships and affiliations etc.

For example, I would think it odd for a chartered engineer to not use the letters CEng on their CV.