A CV serves as the first point of contact between an applicant and a potential employer or recruiter. This initial encounter, albeit indirect, plays a crucial role in shaping the employer’s perception of the candidate. They’ll look through job experiences, educational background, and skills, attempting to piece together a mental image of who this applicant really is and whether they’re worthy of further consideration. With just a quick glance, often lasting no more than a couple of minutes, the fate of a candidate’s future employment hangs in the balance. That’s why it’s absolutely vital to present oneself in the best possible light. Yet, it’s a shared frustration and missed opportunity on both ends when a CV fails to accurately portray the applicant and their true capabilities.
At Orbition Group, our repertoire of building teams for various businesses has made us aware of a problem that keeps popping up. We’ve noticed a glaring disparity between the first impression gained from a CV and the actual skills and knowledge possessed by the applicant. This discrepancy highlights a broader challenge within the industry, where fancy jargon and buzzwords often overshadow practical details and real-world results. This trend keeps going as job descriptions themselves are filled with buzzwords, prompting candidates to tailor their CVs accordingly. However, this mismatch between what’s written and what’s truly meaningful can shadow candidates’ real potential and negatively affect hiring decisions.
One pattern worth noting in CV writing is the growing emphasis on an outcome-driven approach. It’s not just about throwing around fancy words or listing technical skills anymore. People are beginning to recognise the importance of showcasing achievements and real-world applications. It’s not enough to simply have ideas and theories – you’ve got to demonstrate that they actually work in practice. Data & Analytics leaders, who act as hiring managers, increasingly value candidates who can exhibit how their skills have directly contributed to concrete results. This current shift calls for both job seekers and companies to rethink their approach to applications, with a new focus on highlighting achievements and measurable impacts rather than just technical skills and industry buzzwords. They need to take responsibility for presenting CVs that properly demonstrate the value that candidates can bring through their experience and knowledge.
Therefore, based on this, candidates must keep their skills sharp and remain up to date with the latest developments in the Data & Analytics world. Job seekers should take every opportunity to develop and learn. They can do this through various methods, such as online courses, industry meet-ups, or earning new certifications. By demonstrating a keen and active interest in continuous learning in their CVs, applicants are highlighting their ability to adapt and show themselves off as dynamic individuals ready to make an impact. Putting together a great CV isn’t just about showing off past achievements but it’s also about showing off the potential for future growth with the company they’re applying to.
The gap between the skills mentioned in CVs and the actual abilities of candidates in the field of Data & Analytics is a major issue that needs to be addressed by both job seekers and employers. It is important to include specific information about the application, outcomes, and results of previous experiences in CVs. By doing so, candidates can provide a more accurate representation of their abilities and experiences, allowing better matching with job opportunities that line up with their skills. This will ultimately lead to more successful and fulfilling careers for candidates while also benefiting organisations by providing them with the right talent for their business needs.
Sophie Muscat
Sophie is our Head of Marketing. She has a wealth of experience in marketing and communications, having driven strategic initiatives and managed direct communications.
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