Seven types of jobseeker: Which one are you?

With employers sorting through countless CVs, jobseekers can easily end up categorized by their approach—whether it’s based on experience, job search style, or personal tendencies. But which type are you, and how can you make sure you stand out from the crowd and avoid falling into a common stereotype?

Here are seven typical jobseeker profiles (with advice on how to make the most of your approach), inspired by James Reed’s best-seller, *The 7 Second CV: How to Land the Interview.*

The Spammer

Traits: Sends the same CV to every job posting that seems even slightly relevant, often multiple times daily.

Strengths/Weaknesses: While casting a wide net might yield a response, a scattergun approach can lead to missed opportunities with roles that truly match your strengths.

Your Strategy: Employers want to feel their job is uniquely appealing to you. Start tailoring your CV to each position to show why you’re the best candidate. This thoughtful approach can make a huge difference.

The Undercover Agent

Traits: Hides achievements so well that a recruiter would need spy-level skills to uncover their strengths.

Strengths/Weaknesses: While modesty keeps things humble, recruiters are often short on time and need to see key qualifications up front.

Your Strategy: Value yourself. Identify what makes you a strong candidate and highlight your top skills and achievements. Being specific and clear can make a stronger impression than downplaying your experience.

The Job Hopper

Traits: Has held more jobs than they can count, resulting in a CV that reads like a long list of short stints.

Strengths/Weaknesses: While job hoppers have varied experience, they may appear unfocused or unreliable if they haven’t stayed in one role long enough to show impact.

Your Strategy: Consider a skills-based CV that highlights transferable skills rather than job titles. Reflect on what you’re seeking long-term, and if asked, explain why you’ve moved frequently—there may be valid reasons behind it.

Pinocchio

Traits: Comes across as almost too perfect, claiming every skill and experience imaginable.

Strengths/Weaknesses: There are no positives to exaggerating—misrepresentation could come back to haunt you.

Your Strategy: Honesty is key. Only include achievements and skills you genuinely possess. Often, people embellish their CV when they doubt their real experience is enough, but employers value authenticity. Emphasize your actual strengths and let them speak for themselves.

The Newbie

Traits: Recently graduated, with little work experience beyond part-time or volunteer roles. Big aspirations, limited work history.

Strengths/Weaknesses: Newbies are enthusiastic and eager to prove themselves, but they may not have much to show on their CV.

Your Strategy: Showcase any accomplishments, however small, that highlight your potential. Extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or part-time jobs can demonstrate valuable transferable skills. Pair this with a positive, goal-oriented attitude to convey commitment.

The Shape Shifter

Traits: Seeking a career change, often with limited direct experience in the new field.

Strengths/Weaknesses: Employers appreciate the dedication it takes to pursue a career change, but they may be cautious if your experience doesn’t align with the role.

Your Strategy: Think like a recruiter and emphasize how your past experience translates to the new role. Start with a personal statement that explains your career shift and emphasize transferable skills that are relevant to the position.

The Emmental

Traits: Has noticeable gaps in their employment history, either by choice or circumstance.

Strengths/Weaknesses: While taking time between jobs can be perfectly reasonable, frequent gaps may raise red flags.

Your Strategy: Address the gaps briefly in your CV, providing context if necessary, and include any relevant skills or insights gained during those breaks. Being transparent about gaps—and framing them positively—can help counter any assumptions.

Final Thoughts

Unless you’re new to the workforce, you’ve likely identified with one or more of these profiles at some point. Whatever your current jobseeker style, make sure you avoid the most common missteps—whether it’s sending untailored CVs, overstating your credentials, or failing to communicate your goals.

Remember: your goal is to stand out, not blend in. A little extra effort in your application can be what convinces employers that you’re the right fit.

And finally, always double-check your spelling and grammar. Small details matter!