CVs branded outdated by younger workers
Many young workers are finding CVs an obstacle to finding their dream job, with 43% saying they are an outdated recruitment model, according to research from software company Arctic Shores.
Half of the young people asked said they did not think they had sufficient experience on their CVs to get jobs, with 39% pushing for an assessment on personality instead.
Graham Trevor, group HR director at recruitment company Randstad UK and Ireland, said that there is progress being made on recruitment methods outside of CVs.
Speaking to HR magazine, he said: “The CV is useful but it’s not the only recruitment tool. There’s already a trend toward not using CV’s as a way to reduce bias. There’s plenty of innovation in the recruitment space and there is further hope for young people with limited experience and slimmer CVs.
“My advice to young people putting a CV together is don’t get hung up on your lack of experience. It’s likely many candidates are in the same situation as you. Let your character shine through and it may make you stand out above other applicants that have more direct experience.”
The majority of people surveyed felt that companies weren’t properly assessing their potential, with 87% arguing too much emphasis was put on past experience.
This was contributing to a cycle where candidates are overlooked because they don’t have experience, yet they can’t get it as nobody will hire them.
It has led to a confidence crisis among young workers, with 75% of respondents arguing they did not think they had the skills needed to get a new job, and almost half (48%) said they had dropped out of the recruitment process early even though they were interested in the job.
Tony Prevost, HR director EMEA at training platform Skillsoft, said employers should look for different ways to assess candidates.
Speaking to HR magazine, he said: “More employers should look beyond traditional hiring requirements and consider STAR candidates — workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
“With demand for digital-native talent at a premium and the very nature of job roles evolving fast, apprenticeships can help bridge the gap — both for the skills needed within the organisation today and looking ahead to the future. Mutually beneficial, employees can perfect their core craft and branch out to learn new skills — building a strong growth foundation for the wider organisation.”
Arctic Shores surveyed 500 people aged 16 – 24 in July 2022.
HR Magazine – Nosa Omoigui