Canopus Report post Posted August 11, 2005 I am planning a change of career and have come to update my CV. In the past I have been rejected by more than one company because of my lack of involvement in sports and social activities. Companies nowadays seem to take an interest in this side of things regardless of ones academic qualifications or interests relevant to their career. I don't really know how to get around this problem and have been informed that employers are increasingly looking at broad minded all round people who can relate well and interact with others as opposed to Einsteins who are experts in their field. The only major social activity I am involved with is a political organisation and it is very unwise to state any involvement in politics on a CV. Can anyone offer any advice? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elainem Report post Posted August 11, 2005 Hi, not heard this before and in fairness not been on job market for a while. When I was last applying I used to tailor my CV to the job in question - always used to ask if they had a person specification (or similar). Companies should have a clear criteria for recruiting, I think relying on people's sports and social activities could get them into hot water! Elaine Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrs q Report post Posted August 22, 2005 I am in the same positiion applying for jobs.... and always think my Cv looks sad compare to how it used to look..... BUT I wanted to change it...so started to Sudoku most papers carry a version of it....alot of websites have got it...and carol vorderman done a book... So i am not lying when i say i do Sudoku.... just not mentioning....not always completing them.... may look into doing a dress making course instead...more my cup of tea....lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elanor Report post Posted August 22, 2005 I work in a small and growing company, and in the last year I've been involved in recruiting 7 people for roles from clerical to technical. I was also involved in recruitment when I worked for a large firm of accountants. No-one in either organisation cared at all about what hobbies/interests were listed. We only cared about experience,achievements and (in that order) qualifications - because these gave us an idea about whether the applicant could do the job. If the hobby could help demonstrate the suitability for the post, then great - but otherwise, it really didn't matter. Of course, if you don't have much experience etc, eg a school leaver or returner to work after a long absence, then you have to give the recruiter something to go on. Experience as a school governor, voluntary worker, anything really, will help fill the empty spaces on the CV. However, you have to be careful about the pre-conceptions recruiters may have about your hobbies. They might hate birdwatchers, or despise footballers, or worry that an interest in 'socialising' might mean you arrive with a hangover every day! Elanor Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Canopus Report post Posted September 2, 2005 I sent off my CV about a week ago and have heard nothing since. I phoned up the company beforehand to get the name of the person involved with recruitment and addressed the envelope accordingly. I have never applied for a career like this before so have no idea how long I should wait for before the company replies. The vacancies are listed on the company's website so it isn't a speculative application although I stated in the cover letter about possible unadvertised positions. If the company doesn't think I am suitable then do they usually have the courtesy to say so or do they just leave me in suspense? I find no response is often worse than a bad response. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
