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What your CV says about you

Research reveals over three-quarters of employers find interpreting CVs a minefield they'd prefer not to navigate. Get inside information, straight from the mouths of over 1000 employers, on how to make your CV stand out from the rest

The words 'socialising' and 'travelling' on your CV, could send out entirely the wrong message to prospective employers. A survey of 1,000 employers, by recruitment consultancy Office Angels in 2004, revealed that two-thirds admitted to being unsure whether they had made the right decision about a candidate because CVs are full of common, and often cliched, statements that are open to extensive interpretation.

Office Angels analysed 3,000 CVs and compiled a list of the most common phrases used by prospective job candidates. This list was then researched among employers to find out what they understood these phrases to mean:

What they say in their CV?	The employer's interpretation
'I enjoy socialising'	Party mad and likely to come in hungover? - 65%	Good people skills, outgoing and confident? - 35%
'I'm a great communicator'	Non-stop chatterbox? - 29%	Articulate and confident with good communication skills? - 71%
'I'm fully computer literate'	Can turn a computer on? - 24%	Has the computer skills you require? - 76%
'I'm an energetic team player'	Overly keen, probably a sycophant? - 41%	Someone who would benefit your team - 59%
'I love travelling'	Likely to quit after three months and disappear off to Thailand? - 69%	Has broad horizons and will offer a range of different views and ideas? - 31%
'I'm a quick learner'	But only if they are well taught? - 11%	Able to hit the ground running? - 89%
'Very experienced'	Has had lots of different jobs? - 51%	Possesses a variety of beneficial experience? - 49%
'I'm very motivated'	Drinks too much coffee? - 8%	Someone who is good at getting things done? - 92%

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