As a hiring manager, it’s easy to fall into the trap of expecting the “perfect” CV – clean design, flawless grammar, linear career paths and every key word under the sun. But here’s the reality: great candidates don’t always have perfect CVs and perfect CVs don’t always represent great candidates.

At our recruitment agency, we see it all the time – skilled professionals getting passed over because of small CV imperfections, while less-suitable applicants make it through because they know how to present well on paper.

It’s time to rethink how we approach CVs – and what we actually need from them.

A CV is Just a Snapshot

A CV is a starting point. It’s meant to give you a quick sense of someone’s background and whether it’s worth having a conversation. That’s it.

• It’s not a personality test.
• It’s not a guarantee of success.
• And it’s certainly not the final word on potential.

When you over analyse formatting quirks, gaps in employment, or non-linear career paths, you might be filtering out some of your strongest future performers.

Look for Signals, Not Perfection

Instead of scanning CVs for flaws, look for value:

• Relevant experience: Even if it’s not from the same industry, does it show transferable skills?
• Evidence of initiative: Promotions, projects, or responsibilities taken on.
• Clarity of communication: Can they explain what they did and why it mattered?

Don’t let a typo or an unconventional layout outweigh someone’s potential. Some of your best hires might be too busy doing great work to obsess over CV formatting.

Trust the Conversation

The real insights come in the interview. That’s where you see how a candidate thinks, how they communicate, and how well they align with your team. A slightly messy CV shouldn’t block someone from getting to that stage — especially if the core experience is there.

Our Advice? Prioritise Potential

The best hiring managers know how to spot ability and attitude beneath the surface. That starts with giving candidates the benefit of the doubt and not overthinking a document designed to open the door – not close it.

Need help narrowing down the right profiles?
We’ll help you look beyond the formatting and find candidates with the skills, experience, and drive your team needs.

Let’s focus on what really matters — great people, not perfect paperwork.

Find out more and get in contact here.