In Search of the Perfect CV

A nationwide survey of HR directors and managers has concluded that CVs are failing to make the grade. The survey, designed and carried out by CMC and Senior Associate John Lees, produced some thought-provoking results:

- 46% of employers believe that one in ten people lie about qualifications in their CV;
- one in ten employers believe that 40% of people lie about job titles.

In addition, the Age Discrimination Act seems to be causing confusion amongst candidates and employers. Some employers believe that they are no longer able to ask information about the dates an individual began and ended a job, or when a qualification was gained.

CMC's Managing Director, Robin Wood, comments:

“We've discovered that there are still too many unfocused, distracted and off-putting CVs hitting employers' desks, and a great many CVs that do not entirely tell the truth.”

In delivering outplacement support for all levels of staff, CMC is well placed to advise those looking for new roles as to what works, and what doesn't.

The survey's author John Lees says:

“Even good CVs often fail to communicate the right message. This survey shows there is an art to getting through that first 'sift'. More than anything else it's about two things: the initial impact on page one of your CV, and making a short but credible claim that you match the key requirements of the job.”

Some key results:

• 88% of employers prefer to see a short profile or summary on page one of a CV
• 85% of employers do NOT want a photograph with a CV
• Of those who expressed a view, 96% dislike CVs written by professional CV writing services
• Two thirds of HR specialists believe that a CV should be no more than two pages long


Some of the more over-the-top CV stunts and gimmicks identified in the survey include:


• Attaching a tea bag with the message 'have a cup of tea while you read this’
• Stapling half a fifty pound note saying the other half would be handed over at interview
• A photograph of the candidate holding a gun with the caption 'make my day’

For your copy of the full survey, email Robin Wood, Managing Director, Career Management Consultants Limited: rwood@cmc-careers.com or call 01606 338 952.

About the 2007 CMC CV Survey
The survey of HR Directors and Managers was conducted by Career Management Consultants. The results are based on an analysis of 241 responses.

Career Management Consultants Limited is the UK's leading privately-owned outplacement, coaching and career management specialist. CMC delivers a personalised service on a one-to-one basis for managers, executives and directors, and on a group basis for more junior levels. CMC provides UK-wide coverage with offices in London, Thames Valley, South West, East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, Yorkshire, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Established in 1990, CMC has helped over 6,000 executives to successfully restart their careers.

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