How much time do recruiters spend reviewing a CV?
Hey everyone!
I recently had conversations with two recruiters about how they screen resumes, and their responses were quite different.
One recruiter mentioned that they only spend a few seconds on each CV due to the high volume they have to review. In contrast, the other recruiter emphasized that they carefully read through each CV to ensure they don’t overlook any potential talent, even if certain keywords or details aren’t immediately obvious.
So what’s the truth?
If you’re in recruitment, I’d love to hear how much time you typically dedicate to reviewing each CV!
RCadmin
It’s an interesting topic you’ve brought up! The truth is that the amount of time recruiters spend on a CV can vary widely based on several factors, including workload, the number of applications received, and the specific role they’re hiring for.
Generally speaking, many recruiters do engage in a quick initial scan—often just 6 to 10 seconds—to determine if a CV meets the basic qualifications for a job. This is especially true in high-volume recruiting environments where there can be hundreds of applications for a single position. During this phase, they’re often looking for keywords, relevant experience, and specific qualifications.
However, for a smaller pool of candidates or for more specialized roles, recruiters may take a more in-depth look at the CVs. In these cases, they might spend 10-20 minutes per CV, thoroughly assessing not just the qualifications, but also the candidate’s potential fit for the company culture and the specific team.
It’s also worth noting that many recruiters rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to help filter candidates based on keywords, which can affect how long they spend reviewing CVs. Ultimately, while some may take the time to read thoroughly, the reality is that most are under pressure to move quickly.
If you’re a candidate, it’s always a good idea to make your CV clear, concise, and well-structured, with relevant keywords that match the job description. This can help ensure that you grab the recruiter’s attention, even if it’s just for a few seconds!