The (Ir)relevance Of “In View” – By Frank Ofili

What is the relevance of “in view” in a CV?

It is commonplace these days for job seekers to insert in their CVs the words “in view” after their (assumed) educational qualification. It is understandable why they do this. What I am yet to understand is its relevance to a job requirement.

Apparently, those who put these words in their CV believe it will give them some advantage. Well, maybe it would – depending on the organization. One thing is clear though. There is no educational qualification known as “in view”.

It seems to me most job adverts clearly specify the requirements for the position. I have never read one where, for instance, a B.Sc (in view) is required. So why do people put it in their CV?

It is either you have what you state in your CV or you don’t. There is no middle ground.

For those who use “in view”, please know that it could deny you a job opportunity if you are not already employed.

“In view” could send red flags to a potential recruiter that if engaged, you may not be available at some point in future when your service is most needed because you are tied up with your academic pursuit.

On the other hand, it could be an advantage, but only if you are already employed and looking to step up to the next available position.

In other words, where you are already employed and there is an internal job opening, an “in view” may come handy if

(a) you already have the required experience,

(b) the course you are studying is relevant to the job, and

(c) where the time left for you to round up your study is a matter of weeks or months.

A caveat though. Your chance of being picked is at the discretion of your employer.

Inserting an “in view” in your CV may also come handy if you are applying to a learning organization, e.g. a school. In which case, it may signify your interest in continuous learning.

If you must insert “in view” in your CV, be sure to indicate the expected time of completion of your course of study, otherwise it is pointless. For example, M.Sc Psychology (in view, expected June 2025)

Other than these two scenarios, most recruiters really do not value an “in view” in a CV.