Fresh Graduate With 2-Line CV Lands Job Just by Saying ‘Thank You’ to Guard; CEO Reveals Why

Securing a job isn’t just about a long CV or years of experience—social skills, emotional intelligence, and attitude matter just as much. Recently, Steven Bartlett, founder and host of The Diary of a CEO Podcast, shared an inspiring story highlighting this.

Bartlett revealed that he hired a young woman whose CV was only two lines long and who had no prior work experience. When asked why he offered her the position, he explained that her social skills stood out immediately. The candidate had greeted the security guard by name and sincerely thanked him upon entering the building—an act that reflected her respect, humility, and attentiveness.

During the interview, she admitted openly when she didn’t know something, and proactively promised to learn. Afterward, she researched answers herself and emailed them to Bartlett, also sending thank-you notes to everyone involved. Her character, ambition, and willingness to improve impressed the CEO far more than technical skills.

Bartlett emphasizes that while tools and technical knowledge can be taught quickly, qualities like integrity, emotional intelligence, ambition, and dedication cannot. Freshers should focus on:

• Character: Be reliable, trustworthy, and accountable.
• Emotional Intelligence: Learn from feedback without taking it personally.
• Ambition: Work hard, persist despite failures.
• Continuous Improvement: Even without prior experience, daily efforts to improve lead to mastery over time.

Bartlett notes that companies value employees who are hardworking, ambitious, and emotionally intelligent. This candidate embodied all these traits and is now considered one of the best employees he has ever hired.