Should I list my IQ in future CVs? I don't think IQ means much of anything, but I qualify for MENSA membership, and if it helps with future job searches, I'm willing to include it. Then again, if I include it, I may just be perceived to be slapping myself on the back, so ... Which is better-- to include a high IQ on my CV or to omit it entirely?

Keep it off. No need for it. You're not the next Hawking.

Point. What about jobs where logic is highly valued? Like, say, something involving mathematics or programming?

You should join MENSA instead and put that in your CV.

You might come off as arrogant though.

Yup.

Unless you've done something worthy of the genius title, you're not a genius. Even if a test says you have the brains for it.

Ya, but then I have to pay an annual membership fee. No ...!


That's my worry, yes.

Okay, consensus seems to be to exclude it.

Don't include it, IMO. The most important part of your resume is the "past experience" section by far.

Edit:
Being able to speak intelligently about your past experience and how it makes you a good candidate for the job is #2, IMO. That's just based on my own experience as an applicant and interviewer for other positions, though.

IQ has nothing to do with jobs. The people that I know with the highest IQ's are precisely the same people who struggled in school, didn't graduate, and now have a hard time finding work.

Edit* Then again, the only people I know who have done IQ tests are the ones who have gotten a psychological evaluation because they struggle to succeed in our society.

Don't include your IQ in your CV or your resume. It will, rightly or not, make you look like you're trying too hard to impress people. And, worse, you may run into a HR person who has a higher IQ. Past experience / past accomplishments are much more important and should be the focus of your CV or resume.

Ya, I imagined myself receiving a CV with a listed IQ, and I could see myself rolling my eyes. Hence the thread.

I agree that past experience and general interview skills are the most important criteria, but I wasn't sure whether IQ would be a hindrance or a positive.


Interesting. My school had mandatory IQ and career aptitude tests.

Actually, IQ scores predict job performance, academic achievement and overall quality of life (Nisbett, Aronson, Blair, dikeens, Flynn, Halpern & Turkheimer, 2012). Note the word "predict", however.

Reference
Nisbett, R. E., Aronson, J., Blair, C., dikeens, W., Flynn, J., Halpern, D. F., & Turkheimer, E. (2012). Intelligence: New findings and theoretical developments. American Psychologist, 67(2), 130-159. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pdh&AN=2011-30298-001&site=eds-live