The Hiring Reality | Edition 2

Many candidates assume their CV is rejected because they lack experience, qualifications, or the right background. In reality, a large number of CVs are never read by a human at all. They are filtered out long before a recruiter takes a closer look.

Modern recruitment is built around speed and volume. Recruiters often review hundreds of applications for a single role, sometimes within a few days. To manage this, they rely on applicant tracking systems and quick screening methods that prioritise relevance over effort. At this stage, your CV is not being judged on how hard you worked to create it, but on how quickly it communicates fit.

One of the biggest reasons CVs fail is because they are too generic. Many candidates use the same CV for multiple roles, hoping that volume will improve their chances. Instead, it does the opposite. When a CV does not clearly align with the job description, it is treated as irrelevant, even if the candidate is capable of doing the job.

Another common issue is the absence of the right keywords. Applicant tracking systems and recruiters scan for specific skills, tools, job titles, and industry language. When these are missing or buried deep in the document, the CV is unlikely to move forward.

CVs also get rejected when they focus too much on responsibilities instead of outcomes. Listing what you were assigned to do is not enough. Recruiters are looking for evidence of impact, problem-solving, and results that match the needs of the role they are hiring for.

Formatting and clarity also matter more than many candidates realise. Long paragraphs, unclear job titles, inconsistent structure, and excessive detail make it harder for recruiters to quickly assess fit. When time is limited, clarity always wins.

The reality is this: getting shortlisted is not about having the best CV, but the most relevant one. A CV that clearly matches the role, uses the right language, and highlights the right experience will always outperform a longer, more impressive document that lacks focus.

In today’s job market, success comes from understanding how hiring decisions are made and positioning yourself accordingly.

In the next edition, we will explain how recruiters shortlist candidates and why some applications move forward in minutes while others are rejected just as quickly.

— Prevetted Recruitment