If it’s your first time reviewing a CV or you want to improve your efficiency in finding the right information in a CV, consider these 10 steps when reading a CV.
Step one: start with the end in mind
Start with the end in mind. Refresh on the core skill requirements of the role and these in order of importance into ‘must haves’ and ‘nice to haves’. If desired, create a spreadsheet and a rating system allocating scores to people based upon these criteria.
Step two: Print the CVs
Print the CVs and use a highlighter for the reviews. Note initial impression and thoughts down on the paper for review.
Step three: review all CVs in one go
If you have multiple CVs to review, do them all at once; it makes comparisons more effective.
Step four: look for inconsistencies
Look for inconsistencies and time gaps that need to be explained.
Step five: relevant experience
Look for relevant experience, career progression and key learnings the candidate may have gained from seemingly unrelated past roles.
Step six: use of words/language
Pay attention to the use of words, such as involved in, knowledge of, and experience in generally indicate a less than expert level of ability or a team, rather than individual, achievement.
Step seven: achievements listed
A lack of achievements listed doesn’t always mean there weren’t any! But it normally does...
Step eight: CV presentation
Pay attention to formatting and layout if the presentation is important for the role; sloppiness can tend to transcend.
Step nine: sentence crafting
Sentence crafting, words and general articulation indicate IQ but not necessarily EQ. If English is a second language be aware that someone else may have written it.
Step ten: qualifications
Appropriate qualifications can add dimension to the role and person.