Employers - What are the Top Red Flags on a CV?

When reviewing CV’s, employers often encounter common red flags that can indicate potential issues with a candidate. Whilst no single red flag should automatically disqualify a job seeker, it’s important to pay attention to red flag patterns that could be a concern for you moving forwards. Here is a look at some of the most common red flags employers should watch out for when reviewing a CV.

Unexplained Gaps in Employment

Gaps in a candidate’s employment history can be a natural part of a career journey but if those gaps can’t be explained, that could cause a recruiter to look at the application more closely. Most gaps can be explained if the candidate has taken a career break to move into further education, travel or raise a family but it’s wise to ask for context from the potential employee for significant periods of inactivity.

Frequent Job Changes

Moving from job to job quickly can sometimes reflect ambition and a desire for new opportunities but too many job changes in a short space of time could also portray that the candidate shows instability or lack of commitment to their career and could be someone who isn’t going to stick around to grow within the company.

Typos and Errors

A CV is a candidate’s opportunity to create an excellent first impression and a CV full of spelling and grammatical errors can create doubt about their attention to detail. If a candidate can’t take the time to proofread their CV, it could be a sign that they might not put in much effort to their job responsibilities.

Overuse of Buzzwords

The overuse of buzzwords and generic terms such as ‘team player’ ‘dynamic’ or ‘passionate’ have become red flags. Whilst these words can be used genuinely, they often lack real substance unless the candidate has explained how they have demonstrated these qualities. If it looks like the candidate is just trying to fill space on their CV, they probably aren’t a good fit for your company.

Lack of Quantifiable Achievements

A CV that lists responsibilities without demonstrating how a candidate contributed to their previous employers success won’t add much value. Employers want to see results, so the candidates that highlight specific achievements or improvements that demonstrated their impact in previous roles is a winner.

A Generic CV

If a CV comes across as a generic one that could have been sent to a lot of employers without addressing the specific requirements of the role, this could show a lack of interest or effort on the candidate’s part. Tailoring a CV to highlight the most relevant skills and experience to the job posting shows that the candidate is serious, interested and committed.

As an employer, reviewing CV’s carefully can save you time in the hiring process. Whilst one or two minor red flags might not be a reason to discount a candidate, larger patterns of inconsistencies or lack of professionalism shouldn’t be ignored. Keeping our tips in mind, you can make informed decisions and ultimately find the best person for the role.

Are you struggling with finding the right candidates for your vacancies? Reach out to us today to learn how we can help streamline your hiring process and connect you with top talent.

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Shepherd Stubbs Welcomes Harrison to the Leadership Team as Director

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 27 March 2025

We are delighted to announce that our recruitment specialist, Harrison, has now joined Shepherd Stubbs Recruitment as a director to support our leadership team. This marks an exciting new chapter in our journey as a leading independent recruitment company. With over 37 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Shepherd Stubbs has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality staffing solutions across various sectors. Harrison, who has already been working with us for a while, brings valuable experience and knowledge of our operations to benefit both our clients and candidates. His appointment as director reflects our commitment to continued growth, innovation, and excellence in service. This is what Harrison had to say about joining the leadership team: “I am both excited and honoured to be appointed as a director of Shepherd Stubbs. With 37 years of history and success as a leading recruitment agency, I am eager to contribute to the company’s continued growth and future success.” One of our current directors, Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs, said: “A huge welcome to Harrison, who is joining us to support and drive the next stage in Shepherd Stubbs’ development as a leading independent recruitment company!” Our Founder and Director, Sandra Shepherd-Stubbs, added: “A worthy appointment for Harrison! We look forward to the continued growth and success of Shepherd Stubbs with this exciting addition to the team!” As we continue to expand and grow, we are confident that Harrison’s leadership will bring fresh ideas and opportunities to strengthen our services and client relationships. His passion and dedication align perfectly with our values, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team. This is an exciting time for Shepherd Stubbs Recruitment, and we look forward to sharing more updates on our journey. Stay connected with us as we continue to evolve!

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