5 Red Flags Recruiters Watch for in a Candidate's CV - CV Advice from Bennett & Game

When reviewing a CV, recruiters often look for more than just qualifications and experience. They're also on the lookout for potential red flags that could indicate issues with a candidate's suitability, reliability, or ability to thrive in a role. While not all red flags are deal-breakers, they can raise concerns that may require further clarification during the recruitment process. 

Did you know that the average time a potential employer looks at your CV before either dismissing it or reading on is between 5 and 11 seconds? This is such a short amount of time that it is crucial to make sure your CV is clear, concise and as readable as possible. We as recruiters review your CV and advise on improvements to help give you the best chance of standing out. 

Here are five common red flags recruiters watch for and some CV advice to help you address them.

1. Unexplained Employment Gaps

Gaps in employment can suggest a lack of stability or raise questions about a candidate’s career trajectory. While career breaks are common and often justifiable, unexplained, recurring gaps leave recruiters guessing about the reasons behind them.

What recruiters think:

• Did the candidate struggle to find a job?
• Were there performance issues in previous roles?
• Did personal circumstances impact their ability to work?

How to address it: Be transparent. Use your CV or cover letter to briefly explain career gaps, whether they were for personal development, caregiving responsibilities, or a sabbatical. Highlight any skills or experiences gained during that time.

2. Frequent Job-Hopping

Switching jobs too often can signal a lack of commitment or an inability to thrive in one place. It may also make a recruiter or potential employer question why it was you left and if it was always the same reason. Recruiters worry that a candidate with a history of short stints might not stay long enough to make a meaningful impact.

What recruiters think:

• Is this candidate unreliable?
• Do they leave when challenges arise?
• Are they chasing pay increases without considering career growth?

How to address it: Showcase how each role contributed to your growth and explain the reasons for transitions, especially if they were due to contract work, company closures, or career advancement. Emphasise long-term aspirations in your application.

3. Lack of Specific Achievements

A CV that lists responsibilities without highlighting achievements can make a candidate blend into the crowd. Recruiters want to see results, not just tasks, to understand the value you brought to previous roles.

What recruiters think:

• Did the candidate make a measurable impact in their previous roles?
• Are they just meeting the minimum expectations?

How to address it: Quantify your accomplishments. Use metrics like percentages, revenue growth, or project outcomes to demonstrate your impact. For example, instead of “Managed a team,” say, “Managed a team of 10, increasing productivity by 20% over six months.”

4. Typos and Poor Formatting

Your CV is often the first impression you make, and errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting suggest a lack of attention to detail. A sloppy CV can overshadow even the most impressive qualifications.

What recruiters think:

• Does this candidate care about the quality of their work?
• Are they detail-oriented?
• Will they represent the company professionally?

How to address it: Proofread meticulously and ask a friend or mentor to review your CV. Use consistent formatting, clean fonts, and a logical layout to make it easy to read.

5. Irrelevant or Overloaded Information

Including irrelevant roles, outdated skills, or overly dense text can dilute the impact of a CV. Recruiters may struggle to find the key information they need to assess your suitability for the role.

What recruiters think:

• Is this candidate focused on the job they're applying for?
• Do they understand the role and its requirements?

How to address it: Tailor your CV for each job application. Highlight the skills, experiences, and achievements that are most relevant to the role. Remove outdated certifications or jobs that do not add value to your candidacy.

Final Thoughts

A well-crafted CV is more than just a list of your work history; it’s a strategic tool to showcase your qualifications and fit for a role. By addressing potential red flags proactively, you can leave a stronger impression on recruiters and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Remember, every red flag is an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness, honesty, and growth. The key is to present yourself as a thoughtful and adaptable candidate ready to contribute meaningfully to your next opportunity.

If you’re looking for CV advice to get your CV optimised and red flag-free, get in touch with one of our recruitment experts or see further CV writing tips on our Insights page.