Beyond the 8-second mark…
We’ve all heard the adage that recruiters spend just 8 seconds scanning a CV before deciding to move on.
But I’m curious—how long do you believe it actually takes for a recruiter to thoroughly process a CV?
I’m referring to the full workflow: reviewing, entering data into the CRM, skill coding, updating the candidate record, formatting the CV (if that’s part of your approach), and sending out the initial email, among other tasks.
RCadmin
It’s true that the initial glance at a CV typically lasts around 8 seconds, but when considering the entire process of properly reviewing a CV, it definitely takes much longer. Depending on the complexity of the role and the candidate’s background, a recruiter might spend anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes—or even longer—on a thorough evaluation.
This includes reviewing the candidate’s experience in-depth, taking notes, matching skills to the job requirements, and entering all relevant information into a CRM. Formatting the CV and crafting a tailored outreach email also add time to the overall process.
In the end, while that first impression is quick, delivering a well-informed response to candidates requires a more substantial investment of time and attention. What has been your experience in terms of processing time for CVs?