Selfie generation embarrassed by self promotion

6 in 10 young people are intimidated by writing a CV

• Over half of young Brits are too shy about their achievements to write or update a CV
• Nearly half admit to being self-conscious when it comes to promoting themselves for job prospects
• 37 per cent don’t think they have any skills or achievements relevant to the workplace
• Two fifths of 14-25 year olds don’t have or have never written a CV

New research from LifeSkills created by Barclays has today revealed that young people in Britain are embarrassed by promoting their achievements professionally, despite being known as ‘Generation Selfie’.

Whilst young people post to social media on average more than eight times a day, mostly with pictures of holidays, nights out and hobbies, as well as with ever-more ubiquitous ‘selfies’, they were much less confident when it came to promoting themselves professionally.

Six in ten  (60 per cent) of 14-25 year olds surveyed said that they were intimidated by the prospect of writing a CV, with over half (55 per cent) saying they feel so shy they avoid working on it altogether.

The most common reasons young people feel intimidated by the thought of working on their CV include nearly half (47 per cent) feeling self-conscious and embarrassed talking themselves up, over a third (36 per cent) not knowing how to promote themselves without sounding boastful and more than three in ten (31 per cent) worrying they would be exaggerating their abilities by using professional language.

In addition to feeling self-conscious, the findings reveal that this generation lacks confidence in promoting their skills set professionally.  Nearly half (46 per cent) admit that they don’t know how to translate their skills and achievements into appropriate language for employers and nearly two fifths (37 per cent) believe they don’t have any that are relevant for the workplace.

Despite this, the top skills and experience that young people admit to possessing, but wouldn’t think are appropriate to include in a CV, are:

• Computing skills (76%)
• Problem solving abilities such as overcoming an obstacle/managing a crisis (48 per cent)
• Organisational skills such as planning/coordinating (42 per cent)
• Being familiar with multiple social-media platforms (38 per cent)
• Good telephone manner (31 per cent)
• Photo-editing skills (27 per cent)
• First aid skills (20 per cent)
• Video-editing skills (17 per cent)
• Creating and managing a YouTube channel (14 per cent)
• Writing a long term blog (13 per cent)

Two fifths (39 per cent) of young people across the UK have never written a CV and over two fifths (42 per cent) said they have never been offered help writing or presenting one, despite nearly half (49 per cent) revealing that they would benefit from the guidance and support.  

Kirstie Mackey, Head of LifeSkills created by Barclays said: “In a competitive job market, it’s important to present yourself in the best possible way, and your CV is normally the first encounter with a potential employer. Our research shows that there is a significant number of young people without a CV or who would like help formulating one.  That is why LifeSkills has created a smart CV Builder, to provide practical help to young people to present their best self and skills to employers so they can successfully transition into work”.

Over two fifths (43 per cent) surveyed said they prefer to promote themselves through professional networks such as LinkedIn, rather than through a traditional CV, mainly because it feels less formal (51 per cent), is similar to other social media channels (30 per cent) and there is a section for honours and awards so it feels less boastful to include them (28 per cent).

To help young people feel confident writing their CVs, LifeSkills offers a CV Builder to guide candidates through a simple step-by-step process to further populate their CV, providing helpful hints and tips along the way. It can also connect with a young person’s Facebook and Twitter accounts to supercharge their CV and help bring some of that social confidence into their professional lives.

By registering at Barclayslifeskills.com, young people can access the LifeSkills CV Builder, as well as a bank of tips and advice to help gain the skills needed to enter the world of work. 

Notes to editors

1. Younger generation defined as adults aged 14-25 years old
2. A nationally representative survey carried out by One Poll amongst 1000 people

About LifeSkills, created with Barclays

LifeSkills created with Barclays aims to ensure no young person is left behind by equipping them with the key skills needed in the future, boosting our economy and supporting our society. 

LifeSkills brings together educators, businesses, young people and parents to achieve this, as increasingly young people need to leave education not only with appropriate academic results but with the skills that we know businesses need now and in the future as technology reshapes our working world. LifeSkills provides educators with more than 50 hours of free curriculum linked employability resources, through videos, quick fire activities, interactive tools and full lesson plans to teach young people, as well as dozens of interactive tools for young people to learn in their own time or in conjunction with their parents through our dedicated parents section.  LifeSkills also helps to improve access to work experience opportunities, traineeships and apprenticeships to give them the key skills and experience through businesses across the UK. 

For further information about LifeSkills visit Barclayslifeskills.com

facebook.com/YourLifeSkills @YourLifeSkills

About Barclays

Barclays is an international financial services provider engaged in personal, corporate and investment banking, credit cards and wealth management with an extensive presence in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia. Barclays’ purpose is to help people achieve their ambitions – in the right way.

With 325 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 50 countries and employs over 130,000 people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for customers and clients worldwide.

About Barclays

Barclays is an international financial services provider engaged in personal, corporate and investment banking, credit cards and wealth management with an extensive presence in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia. Barclays’ purpose is to help people achieve their ambitions – in the right way.

With 325 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 50 countries and employs over 130,000 people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for customers and clients worldwide.

For further information about Barclays, please visit our website www.home.barclays .