New skills and training ‘can help CVs stand out from competition’

With employers looking at more jobs per vacancy, filling in gaps in education and employment on a resume can only benefit a candidate’s chances of getting an interview, it has been suggested.

Peter Panavotou of CV advice specialist The Write Stuff believes any skills or training a person can add will not do their prospects any harm and suggested that employers are keen to see proactive applicants, rather than those who expect opportunities to come their way.

"Even if it is something completely unconnected, you can fill a gap while also building skills with something such as a first aid course," he said."

Mr Panavotou’s words come as the Guardian revealed bosses are now looking at more than 70 resumes for each position.

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However, he stressed that candidates can still be tripped up by the simplest of mistakes – such as not proofreading an application before sending it to company for consideration – and urged jobseekers to check for spelling mistakes to avoid needlessly missing out on a job.

By Hayley Edwards