How to Spot a CV That Looks Good but Won’t Deliver on the Job
Karl Montgomery • February 18, 2025
Hiring the right candidate can be challenging, especially when faced with CVs that look impressive but don’t reflect true competency. Some candidates master the art of presenting themselves well on paper without the experience or skills to succeed in the role. Here’s a deep dive into common CV red flags and practical steps to assess candidates effectively.
1. Overinflated Skills and Experience
Candidates sometimes exaggerate their capabilities, especially with in-demand skills like data analysis, software proficiency, or project management.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Excessive jargon without specific examples.
- Certifications without practical experience.
- Claims of expertise in multiple areas with little supporting evidence.
How to Uncover the Truth:
- Ask for detailed examples of when and how they applied the skills.
- Use technical assessments or tests to verify their claims.
- Request references that can speak to their practical application of the stated skills.
2. Vague Job Descriptions
A lack of clarity around past responsibilities can signal a potential issue.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Generic terms like “helped with,” “assisted in,” or “participated in” without clear outcomes.
- Missing context for projects or achievements.
- Broad job titles that don’t align with listed responsibilities.
How to Uncover the Truth:
- Ask candidates to explain their role in key projects.
- Use behavioural interview techniques (e.g., STAR method) to explore their contributions.
- Request examples of their work, especially for roles requiring technical or creative skills.
3. Unexplained Employment Gaps
Employment gaps aren’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but candidates should be transparent about them.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Multiple or long gaps with no explanation.
- Inconsistent job titles and dates.
How to Uncover the Truth:
- Ask about the reasons for these gaps during the interview.
- Look for positive activities during gaps, like volunteering, freelancing, or upskilling.
- Validate employment history with reference checks.
4. Frequent Job-Hopping Without Explanation
While career mobility is more common today, excessive job changes can indicate a lack of commitment.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Multiple roles with less than a year’s tenure.
- Career progression that seems lateral rather than upward.
How to Uncover the Truth:
- Ask about the reasons for leaving each role.
- Look for patterns like project-based work or seasonal jobs.
- Assess the candidate’s long-term career goals to gauge fit.
5. Too Good to Be True Achievements
Achievements that sound extraordinary might warrant closer scrutiny.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Unbelievable results without context (e.g., “increased revenue by 500% in six months”).
- Lack of supporting data or references.
How to Uncover the Truth:
- Ask how the candidate achieved these results.
- Request specific figures and context for success metrics.
- Contact previous employers to verify claims.
Real-World Example:
A client once hired a candidate from another agency who claimed to have led a team of 20 engineers to deliver a complex automation project. During the probation period, it became evident the candidate lacked fundamental technical knowledge. A follow-up reference check revealed they were a junior team member, not the lead.
Lesson: Always verify significant achievements with references and practical assessments.
Conclusion
A polished CV doesn’t always mean a perfect hire. By staying alert to these red flags and incorporating thorough interview techniques and assessments, you can better predict candidate success and avoid costly hiring mistakes.
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