GRADEMPIRE

How CVs are scanned

 

Recruiters are busy people. They do not spend much time on each CV. For larger companies, they even have a computer filter which automatically eliminate those resumes that lack key words. 

 

Regardless, if your CV gets to the human screening process, there are three main steps that helps a recruiter eliminate candidates. 

 

Step1: Fast Filter

These ones go in the bin:

• Anything longer than 4 pages. Can't be bothered to read.

• No profile or list of skills on the front page. Don't want to search for them.

• CV is a big essay with sentences. No bullet points. Too much hassle to read.

 

Step 2 : Do a quick 10 second scan of each front page:

These go in the bin:

• Profile and skills on front page does not really match requirement.

 

Step 3: Time to build a 'potentials' pile.

These stay in:

• Profile and skills on front page exactly match requirements.

There are now 10 CV's left and the employer will now look beyond the first page. These are the non technical qualities they will be looking for:

• At least the last 6-12 months experience are closely related to the skills required.

• The candidate has contracts that have been renewed. Lots of small contracts and no renewals can indicate trouble.

• The candidate has worked for blue chip companies.

• The candidate has a good academic background.

Any candidate meeting the criteria will potentially get interviewed.