So, you’ve been handed a stack of CVs thicker than a New York cheesecake and told to find “the one.” Feeling a tad overwhelmed? Don’t worry—we’ve all been there. Screening CVs can feel like speed dating with paperwork, but with the right focus, you’ll swipe right on the perfect candidate in no time. Here are five things to keep an eye out for (and maybe a red flag or two to avoid).

1. Relevant Experience (A.K.A. They’ve Done This Before)

Let’s be honest: you wouldn’t hire a chef who burns cereal. Look for candidates whose past roles align with the position you’re filling. Pay attention to job titles, responsibilities, and industries. If you’re hiring for a digital marketing role and they have experience training alpacas—well, unless you’re marketing alpacas, maybe swipe left.

2. Skills That Pay the Bills

Check for both hard and soft skills. Sure, they might be a wizard with Python or fluent in Klingon, but can they communicate with humans? Skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are just as crucial. Bonus points if they mention proficiency in Excel without bursting into tears.

3. Achievements: The Brag-worthy Stuff

Anyone can list job duties; achievers showcase results. Look for quantifiable accomplishments like “increased sales by 30%” or “successfully negotiated a peace treaty between office plants and the AC unit.” These nuggets show they’re not just clocking in—they’re making an impact.

4. Career Progression: The Climb Matters

A CV that reads like a game of hopscotch might be a red flag. Look for a logical career path and growth in responsibilities. If they’ve jumped from “Assistant Barista” to “Neurosurgeon” overnight, you might want to dig a little deeper.

5. Attention to Detail: The Proof Is in the Pudding (or the Typos)

Typos, inconsistent formatting, or addressing you as “Dear Sir/Madam/To Whom It May Concern/Lord Voldemort” could indicate a lack of attention to detail. If they can’t perfect their CV—their personal sales pitch—what does that say about their work?

In conclusion screening CVs doesn’t have to feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Keep these five pointers in mind, trust your instincts, and remember: behind every CV is a person who spent way too long deciding between “sincerely” and “kind regards.” Happy hunting!

P.S. you can use quickscreen.ai to extract key information from CVs and have them displayed in a easy to view way, so you don’t miss any red or green flags.

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