Recruitment Society: Jobseekers should ensure they stand out

13:00 20th March 2009

Jobseekers need to make sure they stand out from the crowd when applying for positions in the current economic climate, according to the Recruitment Society.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the number of jobs available on the market has fallen as the recession has worsened, meaning jobseekers need to work extra hard to make an impression.

Steve Huxham, chairman of the Recruitment Society, said that people need to highlight any niche experience or special skills they may have, in order to avoid being viewed as a "generalist".

Mr Huxham said: "Whether it's a language skill that you've buried at the back of your CV, put individual skills [in your CV], because what people are looking for in the current market, it's really what makes you different."

Jobseekers could highlight any specific computer training they have received, especially if they plan to pursue an IT career.

The ONS found recently there were just over 31 million jobs available in the market in December 2008 - a quarterly decline of over 200,000.