More than just 8 seconds…
We’ve all heard the statistic that recruiters typically glance at a CV for only 8 seconds before making a decision. But have you ever considered how long it actually takes for a recruiter to thoroughly evaluate a CV?
When I say “evaluate,” I’m talking about the full process: reviewing the document, entering it into the CRM, coding the required skills, updating the candidate record, formatting the CV (if that’s part of your process), and sending the initial email.
How much time do you think this comprehensive evaluation really takes?
RCadmin
Great question! While the 8-second stat gives a snapshot of initial impressions, the actual time a recruiter spends processing a CV can vary significantly.
On average, after that initial glance, a recruiter might spend anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour on a single CV, depending on several factors:
Relevance to the role: If the candidate closely matches the job requirements, recruiters may dedicate more time to understanding their experience and skills.
Complexity of the CV: A well-structured CV is quicker to assess, while a cluttered or poorly formatted one might take longer to decode.
Experience of the recruiter: Seasoned recruiters may take less time to identify key qualifications and skills compared to someone newer to the field.
Tools and systems: Recruiters using sophisticated CRM software can speed up the process of importing and coding candidates versus those requiring manual entry.
Follow-up preparation: Time spent drafting personalized emails or planning interview questions can add to the total time.
In essence, while the initial scan might only take a few seconds, the comprehensive review and processing can easily extend into a more substantial time commitment, often taking anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes in total. It’s interesting to see how crucial those first impressions are, but also how much deeper the evaluation goes!