Attention Brits! Stop being so reserved when applying for jobs! Research shows that this "under-selling" is holding you back from getting the job you want!


Gumtree.com's jobs board says that their research highlights our timid, reticent, retiring nature when job hunting - and it is costing you!

According to Gumtree:
"92% of UK job-seekers aren’t confident about talking about themselves in an interview, with 27% saying they sell themselves ‘very poorly’ because they find it hard to talk about their skills abilities. Employers claim that nearly half (42%) of job candidates regularly undersell themselves, and 28% downplay their skills and capabilities in interviews."
 Industries where job-seekers are most likely to undersell themselves in an interview:
  • Public sector (53% of workers say they undersell themselves)
  • Media (52%)
  • Health worker (51%)
  • Retail (46%)
  • Education (45%)

    So, UK job-seekers, whilst it may not be in our nature to be boorish, loud, domineering and brash - you can still exude confidence (not arrogance) by championing your achievements and skills, and remembering that your CV is your personal advert - it has to be attractive to a potential employer! No one is suggesting you embellish your CV (hint: do NOT lie on a CV) but do you want the company your are applying for to hire you or not?!

    Whilst obviously not all industries suffer from this "light under a bushel" affliction (just watch The Apprentice on BBC1) it seems that many of us need to have a bit more self-belief when firing out CVs and cover letters.

    Grasp the nettle, sell yourself as a great employee and the interviews will flood in.