Workplace survey reveals that over a third (35%) of those working in the science and pharmaceutical sector have no confidence that their CV presents them in a positive light to an employer
Luckily, help is at hand for those unhappy with the standard of their CVs, as Steve Girdler, director of marketing for Kelly Services, explains: "Candidates often only get a brief chance to sell themselves to a potential employer, so they need to make the most of every opportunity.
"This means having a well-crafted CV, as well as a clear idea of their own strengths as an employee.
"It also helps if candidates can gather some detail about the organisation before an interview to identify how their particular experience and background can add value to the prospective employer".
Paying careful attention to CVs is a subject close to Kelly's heart, following the company's research into the so-called apostrophe catastrophe back in 2006.
This revealed 95% of CVs to contain overcapitalised, out of date employment history, past jobs written in the present test and a staggering array of spelling and syntax errors.
Another interesting trend unearthed by the survey was that the internet is the most popular channel for job-hunting, with 89% of jobseekers in the scientific sector posting their CV online.
In fact, over one third of people surveyed found their most recent job online, reinforcing the importance of the web as part of the recruitment process.
The figures show that the Internet has already eclipsed more traditional methods, with 48% of science and pharmaceutical workers finding their last job online, compared to 9% in the printed press.
However, given the significant increase in the use of the Internet to find jobs in the sector, only 51% were satisfied with the response and 24% didn't feel it was an effective way to find a new job - so there is still a very good argument to visit a recruitment agency, such Kelly Services, for some invaluable, specialist expert advice.
"We understand exactly which candidates have the appropriate skills for our clients," says Girdler, "and can provide the most suitable for each".
The Kelly Services global survey sought the views of more than 115,000 people in 33 countries, including almost 7000 in the UK, on a wide range of issues related to the recruitment process.
