Several days later his lengthy CV that included everything but the kitchen sink, along with a “War and Peace” style cover letter, appeared in my in-box.
I closely reviewed the potential applicants along with my old friend. I compared them to the job description that I had developed with the client. As I am inclined to do for some assignments, I established a confidential long list for the client to get a preliminary perspective of candidates in the market.
My friend made that long list and I admitted to the client that I knew him, albeit from some time ago. The client agreed that I should put him through the next stage of the process that included me conducting comprehensive interviews before submitting a shortlist.
After a lengthy interview I was finally able to distill the critical aspects from his dogs’ breakfast looking CV and cover letter. I was certain he would be of value to the client. I dutifully provided a detailed report on him and others that were worthy of being shortlisted.
Later, as I sat in with the interview panel, I tried my best to recap on the executive summary report I provided on my friend.
Long Story Short.
Despite my best efforts the panel felt it necessary to ask many, many questions to try to figure out his poor and lengthy CV, what he had done, what he could do, and what he wanted to do. He lost precious moments in the time allotted. He never got the chance to answer more meaningful interview questions.
The End Result.
Three other applicants that presented highly adequate CV’s were able to spend more time answering questions that counted. They also had time to ask questions of the panel that counted. One of them rightfully got the job.
Moral of the Story. (Why You Really Need To Have Your CV Sorted Out)
Professional applicants need to give themselves every opportunity to favorably maximise the limited time they get in an interview process. With the market now tightening more than ever a solid CV and interview capabilities are going to become increasingly important.
Make your story count.
Make your CV your friend