Most employers would be happy to pay an extra 5% or more in a basic salary for applicants who sell their achievements on their CVs, research has found.
But conversely, almost three in four recruiters would reject an applicant who supplied a vaguely written CV.
A study by iProfile.org of 1,000 jobseekers and 200 employers found that 73% of employers consider an up-to-date list of specific work-based achievements to be essential when making hiring decisions.
Nearly a quarter (24%) of employers said they would be prepared to pay 15% more in a basic salary to secure the applicant of choice.
“Achievement amnesia is a common and potentially costly problem, and addressing this issue could significantly boost people’s chances of getting through to the interview stage, as well as getting the salary they deserve,” said CV specialist, Karl Gregory.
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“Candidates regularly under-sell their achievements, and addressing this issue could significantly boost people’s chances of getting through to the interview stage, as well as getting the salary they deserve.”
Nearly four of every five applicants only write CVs when applying for a position rather than keeping one ready and up-to-date, and 71% take two hours or less to write it.