The majority of job candidates still see the CV and in person interview as essential when applying for a job, according to new research from Tribepad. This comes as counter to campaigns to remove the CV, which can be deemed to be bias, and the growth of remote interviews due to the pandemic.
Two thirds (67%) of respondents say an in person interview is important or essential, and three in five that a CV is (61%). Although there are moves to try to make hiring more based on skills and aptitude, only a third believe assessments (35%) and assignments or tasks (34%) are important.
Half (50%) of 18-24 year olds believe that a CV is needed, rising to 66% of 35-44 year olds. Only 56% of senior leaders feel positively that the CV is an important part of the hiring process, compared to 67% in entry level positions. Women are more likely than men to say informal conversations are of benefit – 54% vs 49% – perhaps challenging the notion that job offers are made on the golf course.
Whilst the industry may be ready to move forward, there is a disconnect between what recruiters deem to be important and what candidates believe to be.
When applying for a job, candidates believe the following to be important or essential
- In person interview – 67 %
- Having a CV – 61 %
- Interview with line manager – 59 %
- Application form – 58 %
- References – 55 %
- Informal conversations – 51 %
- Interview with executive leadership team – 37 %
- Assessments/tests – 35 %
- Interview with HR – 35 %
- Tasks/assignments – 34 %
- Telephone interview – 31 %
- Video interview – 30 %
Dean Sadler, CEO of Tribepad says: “We spend so much time trying to find solutions that work for the industry, but we need to also stop and think about what candidates want. It’s surprising that the CV is still so favoured, given that it can perpetuate bias. It indicates that we still do many things in recruitment ‘just because we always have’ and maybe we need to be braver and challenge that. The fact that two thirds want an in person interview, even though hybrid working is so common, shows the importance of cultural fit and human relationships. At Tribepad we are passionate about bringing the tech and human elements together, to enable people to get great jobs.”
The research*, titled Stop The Bias found that 8 out of 10 candidates think that recruitment would be fairer if it remained anonymous, and 77% don’t believe that diversity data is being used for their benefit. When Tribepad worked with Coventry City Council to help improve diversity in their recruitment process through anonymous applications they saw a 117% increase in the number of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates.
Yet candidates believe a CV is essential. It’s time to reconsider our processes and find a system that is comfortable, fair and valuable for all.
