by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs
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2 January 2025
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.
