Too many jobseeker's CVs stop them getting work

Mon, 23/09/2013 - 12:28 -- nick

Jobseekers are hurting their chances of getting work through common CV mistakes.

According to new research by the National Careers Service, two-thirds of careers advisors reported that sending general rather than tailored CVs was a major issue and could lead to applicants not getting a job.

More than 60% said spelling mistakes were common, while three-quarters pointed to a failure to highlight strengths as being a key error.

Two-thirds said CVs were often the wrong length, but a third of jobseekers said they did not believe they had ever made a mistake on their CVs.

Careers advisors at the National Careers Servce recommend that jobseekers spend an hour each week revising and updating their CVs, but only 30% of those looking for work said they did this

The Service is launching a new Twitter and Facebook-based initiative to help jobseekers iron out common mistakes, using the hashtag #cvoclock.

Advisors will be online to answer queries between 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm on Mondays.

Joe Billington, Director of the National Careers Service, said:

“Our advisers report a real careers void when it comes to writing CVs. People know that they are making mistakes, but not spending enough time on making sure their CV is fit for purpose.

“A CV is an applicant’s shop window and it’s vital that people spend at least an hour a week keeping their CV up-to-date and tailoring it for each application. With the right advice and support anyone can turn their CV from a careers void into a careers victory.”

Jennifer Kneafsey, Careers Adviser at the National Careers Service, said:

“CV writing can be lonely and hard, in particular for those affected by unemployment or redundancy. We know that many unemployed people need help with their CVs and careers advisers each deal with up to 50 CVs on a weekly basis. #cvoclock will support, encourage and bring people together on Twitter and Facebook each Monday between 1pm and 2pm to dedicate an hour to their CVs.”

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