Do CVs still matter in a digital age of recruitment

CVs are still a relevant tool in recruitment for a number of reasons and can provide an overview of a candidate’s skills, professional experience and qualifications. However recruiters can utilise several other tools in addition, to both enhance, streamline and generally improve on the recruiting experience.

History

The tradition of a CV has come a long way over the past few centuries. You may not know that it was Leonardi Da Vinci who created the first handwritten résumé way back in 1482. The word résumé originates from the French word résumer meaning 'to summarise,' while CV comes from the Latin term 'curriculum vitae,' meaning 'course of life.' If you're in the UK, you'll more than likely use a format for your CV that is more detailed and comprehensive.

Why are CVs important?

A CV can provide a succinct and condensed way to highlight career history and progression, skills and achievements relating to roles of interest. It is the first opportunity for a candidate to present themselves to a recruiter or potential employer and can also be the  best format to convey the required information, highlighting how their skills align with the type of roles desired . They remain a popular choice of many recruiters.

What else can aid recruitment?

In addition to this more traditional form of job role application, recruiters can utilise recruitment specific software or a CRM platform to capture much of the same information, in a more efficient way. Allowing the management of and communication to a large pool of candidates, streamlining many processes and ensuring the suitability of candidates to appropriate roles.

Video CVs

Increasingly video resumes are used in the recruitment world, with the rise of remote working and the increased power of social media and especially in more ‘creative’ industries. It can show a personality and motivation behind the person quickly, more so than a written alternative. This trend is expected to grow as a time-saving alternative, whereby qualification and skills can be reviewed swiftly and communication skills assessed. Hiring decisions can be a fair bit quicker using this format.

Infographic

An infographic is another visual type of alternative CV format. Using graphics, illustrations, charts and icons key information can be presented still highlighting skills, achievement and work history. Many utilise this format to stand out from the crowd and make an instant impression. This format can engage a recruiter or employer quickly and emphasise key points well.

Portfolio

If you are applying for a job in a creative field, your portfolio is often just as important as your CV. An impressive portfolio showing your best work examples can help you stand out in a crowded hiring arena. Portfolios are commonly used in areas where visual impact is essential such as:

• graphic design
• architecture
• photography
• web design
• writing
• art

You'll often be asked to submit your portfolio along with your CV before your interview. Your portfolio can be presented in a variety of mixed media, for example a video or landing page,  or it could be a physical folder with sketches and examples.

Online or digital portfolios have become more and more popular and there are numerous free online portfolio makers where you can create amazing examples.

With technological advances and innovations, editing software and social media - multimedia and digital CVs have become increasingly popular with job seekers. As a recruiter when considering if CVs are still relevant today,  even though technology moves forward, CVs are generally still seen as an integral part of the recruitment process.

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