Could we see the last of the CVs? Are they on their way out? Well according to new research, as many as 72% of hiring professionals are now using skills assessments to assess an applicant's potential as traditional CVs can be "subjective and prone to bias," as they are based on self-reported information. The latest report by HireVue surveys 900 hiring professionals as well as 2,319 candidates in the UK and delves into current trends in hiring practices.

The findings also showed 63% of businesses have implemented skills-based methods of recruitment in order to reach their equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) objectives, whilst 34% of recruiters said they favoured a candidate's potential above their established experience. Indeed, skills-based hiring is a "positive step in the right direction for social mobility," according to David Morel, CEO and founder of Tiger Recruitment. "As companies and business leaders are increasingly prioritising EDI, it stands to reason that this would impact talent acquisition strategies."

Are traditional hiring methods becoming obsolete?

Given the rapid evolution of technology and shifting job demands, conventional hiring approaches may no longer suffice in pinpointing and attracting suitable talent. Strictly Recruitment director, Jo Benelisha told People Management: "With the pace of technological advancement and changing job requirements, traditional hiring methods may no longer be sufficient for identifying and attracting the right talent." She added that conventional CVs can be "subjective and prone to bias." Whereas skills assessments offer tangible proof of a candidate's capabilities and credentials, they prioritise objective criteria, thereby fostering more inclusive hiring results.

Furthermore, the research revealed candidates also preferred skills-based approaches to recruiting, with 83% stating they felt comfortable with completing skills assessments, whilst 71% said they recognised their transferable skills. According to the managing director of Ambitions Personnel, Mandy Watson: "While you might expect someone just starting their career journey not to have a substantial CV, sometimes even the most senior or accomplished candidates have a CV that doesn't do them justice." She added that employers should be open to hiring candidates who might not be "a typical match on paper based on a traditional approach using rigid job descriptions and person specifications that require specific experience in a particular field."

Skills gaps

The HireVue report also showed that 46% of hiring professionals have actively sought to recruit mature workers due to skills gaps, whilst 44% of companies polled have been concentrating on internal recruitment. Indeed, skills shortages have impacted how businesses hire. "In response to the desperate talent shortages we all encountered in 2021 and 2022, we have seen many businesses developing their own employees to give them the skills they need to progress," said Nick Allwood, regional director at Macmillan Davies.
Consequently, companies may feel more confident in departing from traditional recruitment methods, such as relying solely on CVs, as they gain a clearer understanding of the essential skills needed within their organisation.