With unemployment at worrisome highs and changes on the way to make welfare stricter for jobseekers, one expert is trying to help all those hunting work.

Recruitment research indicates that while the average role attracts 25 to 35 applications, a short list typically has just three to five names. Given that up to 90 per cent of applicants are cut after the first glance, it is likely that some resumes are not up to scratch.

Timothy Lee is director of Clarius, a specialist employment services firm, he says there are number of common mistakes people make to keep themselves out of the running.

“The biggest demotivator is setting yourself up for failure by applying for roles your CV can’t support,” he said.

“Do a personal skills and experience audit listing all your soft, technical, leadership and management skills - which could be as simple as leading a project through to completion or managing an office move, amongst other achievements.”

For older people, Mr Lee says there is a sense that life’s experience adds diversity and stability, and it is something that older applicants can use to get ahead.

“The best motivator for older people is to be open and receptive to new ideas. Show that you’re not set in your old ways and use the time while you’re looking for a job to create a LinkedIn account and brush up on some new technology skills,” he said.

The recruitment group has put together a list of ten ‘Golden Rules’ for improving the hunt for work:

1. Don’t apply for jobs that your CV can’t support

2. Everyone gets rejected – accept it, learn from it and move on

3. Create your own cheer squad and use them for feedback and advice – family, friends, former   colleagues – for their help on your personal audit

4. Do a personal skills and experience audit to ensure you’re selling all of your best talents

5. Treat every job application as a new, positive opportunity

6. Refresh your CV and application to fit each employer’s style

7. If you’ve been job hunting for a long time, take a break, rejuvenate and re-energise

8. For older workers, have confidence in life experience as it is immensely valuable to a business

9. Older people should also be open and receptive to new ideas

10. Consider up-skilling courses or talking to a business mentor