Stand out from the crowd, jobseekers advised

Jobseekers have been advised that standing out from the crowd is vital if they are to make an impression and secure a position during the recession.

The Recruitment Society has advised that people should try and cover as much of their expertise as possible when writing a CV.

This way they can avoid being just a generalist and prove that they could bring something to the position that other candidates cannot.

Steve Huxham, chairman of the Recruitment Society, said that whether it is niche sector experience that you think isn't important or a language skill that you've buried at the back of your CV it should be included on a CV.

This is because what people are looking for in the current market, it's really what makes you different, he added.

All jobs are competitive and more so in a recession, warns a spokesperson for ClickAJob.

You could be one of hundreds jockeying for the same position, so obviously you need to look exceptional, he says.

And think beyond applying, you've got to get to interview - make your CV show achievements, not just an employment history - confirm that you're a mover who gets things done, he advises.

Emphasise all your relevant experience too, the skills you've learned on the job and anything that reveals how well you relate to people.

Don't forget to look outside work either - club activities, fund-raising, working with kids - they all demonstrate that you're probably good with customers, he concludes.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed that the employment rate for people of working age was 74.1 per cent for the three months to January 2009.