Twitter users write better CVs and are more likely to be shortlisted for a job interview, a new survey reveals.
MyJobGroup.co.uk, UK’s largest network of regional job boards, analysed 500 CVs from UK-based jobseekers and found repetition abounds.
One-third (37%) used exactly the same opening phrase; while the three most popular first-line words are ‘experience’ (27.1%), ‘skills’ (23.2%) and, ironically, ‘individual’ (22.6%).
According to MyJobGroup.co.uk, jobseekers who use Twitter are more likely to be shortlisted because they write interesting, eye-catching and succinct CV summaries. The company has launched a Twitter competition to find the best 140-character CVs.
An iPad is up for grabs for the winner with the best tweeted CV, either their own professional summary, or a spoof celebrity one of their choosing. To enter the competition, visit MyJobGroup.co.uk/TwiCV
The art of ‘getting to the point’
Professor Cary Cooper CBE, Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health at Lancaster University Management School, agrees with the findings.
“Candidates who are innovative and novel in their use of language and identify themselves in a non-formulaic way are more likely to be people who use Twitter, or have their own blog”, he said.
“Twitter users more readily think about, and use, clever keywords and they’re probably more expressive in an abridged style – the art of ‘getting to the point’ is not lost on people who Tweet.”
Lee Fayer, Managing Director at MyJobGroup.co.uk, described the first few lines in a CV as “crucial” – like any first impression.
“CV writing is an art and with so many jobseekers hunting fewer roles, employment chances are improved with a well-written résumé.”
The top 5 most popular first words on a CV:
1. “I am, I’m…” – 37.9%
2. “A highly/highly…” – 6.9%
3. “I have…” – 5.6%
4. “Hard working…” – 5.2%
5. “Experienced…” – 4.9%
The top ten* most popular words used on a CV summary:
1. Experience – 27.1%
2. Skills – 23.2%
3. Individual – 22.6%
4. Person – 17.3%
5. Team – 13.4%
6. Years – 13.1%
7. Well – 12.7%
8. Enthusiastic – 12.4%
9./10. Communication – 11.8%
9./10. Motivate – 11.8%
*The words ‘work’, ‘working’ and ‘worked’ were removed from this sample
Source: MyJobGroup.co.uk
Tags: CV, job-hunting, social media, Twitter
Posted in News Roundup