Career coach urges graduates to highlight skills over CV length

A career coach and Human Resources consultant, Lydia Quayson, has advised young graduates and job seekers to avoid padding their CVs with irrelevant details, stressing that employers prioritise demonstrable skills over document length.

Speaking on the Business Breakfast show on Zed 101.9 FM, Ms Quayson emphasised that a CV should be concise and focused on what truly sets a candidate apart.

“The CV is not about length or filling spaces. The fact that we say bring a CV does not mean you must occupy the page with trash. What is relevant is your official name and, most importantly, your skills,” she said.

The career coach noted that most fresh graduates and National Service personnel do not have years of experience, making their skills the strongest selling point.

“We are in the age of AI and technology. If you studied accounting, learn QuickBooks or Tally. That gives you an edge,” she advised.

Ms Quayson also encouraged young professionals to highlight unique competencies such as communication abilities and language proficiency, which can make them stand out in the job market.

She cited the example of a service personnel she coached who spoke French, noting that such skills could significantly enhance employability.

Ms Quayson further revealed that it takes her less than a minute to determine whether a CV is good or not.

“Many people just copy and paste skills they have seen elsewhere without demonstrating them. But recruiters can easily tell the difference,” she emphasised.

Ms Quayson reminded graduates that having a degree is not enough.

“The degree is just a document. What matters is how you apply what you studied. Your skills, competencies, knowledge and zeal are what employers are looking out for,” she stressed.

Ms Quayson urged young professionals to focus on continuous learning and to present themselves as problem-solvers rather than merely degree holders.