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Understanding a CV: More Than Just a Document
A CV is designed to give you a snapshot of a candidate's professional history. It outlines their work experience, education, skills, and achievements. While it provides valuable information, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t tell the whole story.
Candidates are often advised to keep their CVs concise, usually limited to two pages. This constraint means they may not be able to include every skill, experience, or accomplishment they've gained over their career. Some individuals might excel at expressing themselves on paper, while others shine in person. This is why it’s essential to use the CV as one of many tools in your recruitment process—not as the only measure of a candidate's potential.
We encourage you to be open-minded when reviewing CVs. For example, candidates who have moved around a lot might have perfectly legitimate reasons for doing so. While an ideal CV might show stability and progression, it’s important to recognise that valuable talent comes in many forms, and not every promising candidate will have a linear career path.
With this in mind, here are six tips to help you read a CV for success:
1. Be Mindful of Inconsistencies
Look for any discrepancies in dates, job titles, or career progression. While these can sometimes be simple errors, they can also indicate something more significant. Use the interview to ask clarifying questions if you spot anything unusual.
2. Check for Spelling and Grammar Mistakes
Errors in a CV can be a red flag, especially for roles that require attention to detail. While one or two mistakes might be forgivable, a CV riddled with errors may suggest a lack of care or professionalism. However, be mindful that some highly skilled candidates may not be as strong in written communication, especially if English is not their first language.
3. Evaluate Unexplained Gaps
Gaps in employment history are common and don’t necessarily mean a candidate is unsuitable. However, it’s important to note any unexplained gaps and ask the candidate about them during the interview. They may have taken time off for personal reasons, education, or other valid pursuits that could actually enrich their suitability for the role.
4. Look Beyond Job Titles
Don’t just focus on job titles—consider the responsibilities and achievements listed under each role. A candidate might have a title that doesn’t fully reflect their contributions or the scope of their role. By looking deeper into their actual experience, you may discover that they have exactly what you’re looking for.
5. Pay Attention to Achievements Over Responsibilities
When reviewing a CV, focus on the candidate's achievements rather than just the responsibilities they've listed. Accomplishments give you insight into how well they performed in their previous roles. Look for quantifiable results, such as percentage increases in sales or efficiency improvements, as these indicate a candidate who not only did their job but excelled at it.
6. Consider the Overall Presentation
The layout and format of a CV can tell you a lot about a candidate's attention to detail and professionalism. A well-organised, clean, and easy-to-read CV suggests that the candidate has put effort into making a good impression.
Traditional career progression is not the only path to success. Some candidates might have taken career breaks, switched industries, or held a variety of roles. These experiences can make them more adaptable, resilient, and innovative. Don’t discount a candidate simply because their career path doesn’t follow the usual trajectory.
In conclusion, a CV is a starting point in the recruitment process. It’s a useful tool for gathering information about a candidate’s background, but it doesn’t capture their full potential or the person behind the document. By approaching each CV with an open mind, you’ll be better equipped to identify candidates who can add value to your organisation.
If you need further guidance on reading CVs or any aspect of your recruitment process, the team at Appointments Personnel is here to help. We’re committed to finding the right fit for your business, and we’re just a call away.
