Whether you’re a recruiter, hiring manager or part of an HR team, reviewing CVs effectively is a crucial early step in the recruitment process. A well-structured CV can quickly highlight a candidate’s suitability for a role, while inconsistencies or omissions may raise questions that need addressing early on. Identifying potential red flags at this stage can save time for everyone involved and help ensure the right conversations happen sooner rather than later.

At Russell Taylor, we also recognise that not every CV tells the full story first time. As part of our recruitment support, we work closely with candidates to help format CVs clearly, advise on how best to present experience, and in some cases allow applications to be made with a CV to follow. Our aim is always to support both clients and candidates and help present information in the strongest, most accurate way possible.

Common red flags to look out for when reviewing CVs:

Unorganised or unclear formatting
A CV with a cluttered or inconsistent layout can suggest a lack of attention to detail or professionalism. Research shows that employers often spend just a few seconds reviewing a CV initially, so clear structure and presentation are essential. Headings, bullet points and logical progression all help ensure key information is easy to find and understand.

A lack of role focus
Different roles require different skills, and a generic CV rarely stands out. Candidates should tailor their CV to highlight experience and competencies that are relevant to the role they are applying for. A CV that lists broad responsibilities without a clear focus can make it difficult to assess suitability and motivation for the position.

Missing achievements
While outlining responsibilities is important, achievements give context and credibility. CVs that list duties without demonstrating outcomes, results or impact may raise questions for hiring managers. Figures, facts and examples help to show how effectively a candidate performed in their role. Useful prompts include: How did the individual or team perform? Were targets met? Were projects delivered on time and to budget?

Overly long paragraphs
A CV should be concise and easy to scan. Large blocks of text can make information difficult to digest and may suggest weak written communication skills. Clear, well-structured bullet points help convey information efficiently and demonstrate an understanding of the audience.

Unexplained gaps in employment
Career breaks are increasingly common and can include time spent travelling, studying or caring for family. However, unexplained gaps may prompt concern if there is little information about what the candidate was doing during that period. A brief explanation can often provide reassurance and valuable context.

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Not every issue on a CV is a deal-breaker. Many can be resolved with guidance, clarification or a simple restructure. That’s why we actively support candidates with CV formatting and content advice, helping them present their experience. In some cases, we also allow candidates to apply initially with a CV to follow, ensuring strong potential isn’t missed due to timing or formatting issues.

By combining effective CV screening with practical candidate support, we help create a smoother, more transparent recruitment process for everyone involved.