NZ employment agency asks Napier girl Natalie Meehan to 'dumb down' CV

A New Zealand employment services agency has admitted it asked a Napier woman to delete her university degree from her CV in order to allow her to apply for jobs at a supermarket and fast-food outlet.

Natalie Meehan said she was proud of her achievements and was "mortified" by the advice, The Dominion Post reported.

Ms Meehan, 22, completed a political science degree in 2008 and finished her most recent job in March. She was seeking full-time work until she joined the Navy in July.

After not finding a job in Napier, she organised a meeting with Work and Income.

During the meeting she says she was told to dumb down her CV, removing her degree and last two positions.

Work and Income Deputy chief executive Patricia Reade said a case manager did suggest Ms Meehan take out reference to her degree but did not tell her to remove her most recent work experience.

It was common practice for jobseekers to tailor their CVs to the jobs for which they were applying, but it was not appropriate for staff to suggest they take out "valuable" qualifications or work experience, she said.

The case manager's intention was to ensure the CV was targeted at the kind of jobs available for short periods.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said she was seeking information on the case.

SOURCE: news.ninemsn.com.au