Recruitment is broken, the CV is dead…. Long live assessment

As the modern job market is changing, many are realising that the traditional CV may not be the best indicator of an individual's potential or suitability for a role. While qualifications and experience certainly still hold value, there is a growing recognition that factors such as attitude, behaviour, and other competencies play a pivotal role in determining an individual's success within an organisation. As such, many forward-thinking companies are shifting their focus towards engaging with individuals beyond their CVs, seeking a deeper understanding of what makes them truly brilliant.

Getting Rid Of The CV

Gone are the days when a stack of paper credentials alone could secure a job. Many employers are now recognising that a candidate's attitude can be the determining factor in their ability to adapt, collaborate, and innovate within the workplace. While skills can be taught, attitude is a deeply ingrained characteristic that shapes an individual's approach to work and relationships. 

While a CV may provide a glimpse into a candidate's past achievements, it fails to capture how they interact with others, handle conflicts, or respond to challenges. By engaging in meaningful conversations and assessments, employers can gain valuable insights into a candidate's behaviour, enabling them to evaluate their ability to collaborate, lead, and contribute to a positive and inclusive work culture. 

Moreover, competencies are emerging as a key focal point for organisations looking to build high-performing teams. Competencies encompass a range of skills, knowledge, and abilities that are specific to a particular role or industry. While a CV may list a candidate's technical expertise, it often fails to capture their broader competencies, such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, or creativity. 

By prioritising this in the recruitment process, organisations can identify candidates who possess the resilience, curiosity, and positive mindset necessary to thrive in a dynamic and demanding environment. The right behaviour can foster strong teamwork, effective communication, and a proactive problem-solving approach - all of which are essential for organisational success.

So How Can We Evaluate Without CVs?

One of the most effective ways to move beyond the limitations of the CV is through personal interaction and open dialogue. Interviews, assessments, and work simulations can provide invaluable opportunities for employers to observe a candidate's attitude, behaviour, and competencies in action. These interactions allow employers to delve deeper into a candidate's thought processes, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making skills, giving them a more holistic understanding of their potential contributions.

In addition to personal interactions, employers can explore alternative methods for assessing candidates' suitability. For example, incorporating gamified assessments, where individuals are presented with real-world scenarios and asked to make decisions or solve problems, can provide valuable insights into their competencies and approach. 

Phoenix 51’s assessment platform makes use of state-of-the-art technology and embedded video tools, which use algorithms to mirror company cultures, values, and behaviours. By assessing applicants against core competencies and making data-driven decisions, we help you make better hiring decisions! 

What Does This Mean For Candidates?

Ripping up the CV does not mean completely disregarding qualifications and experience; instead, it is about acknowledging that they are not the sole indicators of success. By placing a greater emphasis on factors outside of paper qualifications, organisations can create a workforce that is not only skilled but also adaptable, innovative, and capable of driving positive change.

To achieve this, employers need to develop comprehensive recruitment processes that prioritise attitude, behaviour, and competencies. HR professionals also must adapt their assessment methods to include more interactive and experiential components, enabling a deeper understanding of candidates' potential. 

Ultimately, ripping up the CV and looking beyond surface-level qualifications can lead to the discovery of hidden gems within the talent pool. By engaging in meaningful conversations, assessments, and simulations, employers can gain a deeper understanding of a candidate's potential and suitability. This shift in focus not only benefits organisations by fostering adaptability and innovation but also empowers individuals who may possess the right attitude, behaviour, and competencies to excel and make a lasting impact within their chosen organisation.

Here at Phoenix51, our recruitment and assessment process is grounded in a competency-based assessment, allowing candidates to showcase their skills, behaviours and values. Our expert hiring team, together with our in-house business psychologists and assessment centre experts, will take all these assessments into account when finding the right candidate for your business needs. 

To find out more, visit our website today!