A HR expert has warned jobseekers that traditional CVs are now holding them back from landing their dream roles.
Chris Garner, Managing Director at Avensure, explained that employers across the UK are increasingly looking beyond standard resumes when assessing candidates.
He said the growing focus on skill-based hiring means traditional CVs that simply list previous jobs and qualifications are becoming less relevant in today’s job market.
“The days of sending out a generic two-page CV and hoping for the best are gone,” Garner said. “In the current job market, employers want to see clear evidence of your skills in action, not just where you’ve worked and what qualifications you have.”
According to Garner, the most successful job applicants now provide portfolios, project demonstrations, and practical examples of their skills alongside shorter, more targeted personal statements.
“What makes you different from the dozens of other applicants with similar work history? That’s what employers are asking themselves,” he explained. “They want to see real examples of projects you’ve completed, problems you’ve solved, and results you’ve achieved.”
Garner pointed out that nearly 70% of hiring managers now spend less than two minutes reviewing a traditional CV, with many using digital screening tools that filter out applications before they reach human eyes.
“Most CVs never even make it to a real person. They get filtered out by automated systems that scan for specific keywords and experiences,” he said. “That’s why you need to tailor your application to each specific role and company, focusing on relevant achievements rather than a generic history.”
The expert advised that candidates should replace chronological work histories with achievement-focused documents that highlight specific skills and results.
“Instead of saying ‘I worked at Company X for five years,’ show what you accomplished there. Did you increase sales? Improve processes? Manage successful projects? Those outcomes matter far more than dates of employment,” Garner said.
The advice comes as recent labour market data shows increasing competition for jobs. According to the Office for National Statistics, UK job vacancies fell by 63,000 (7.9%) to 736,000 in March to May 2025, marking the 35th consecutive quarterly decline.
The number of unemployed people per vacancy rose to 2.2 in February to April 2025, up from 1.9 in the previous quarter, indicating a less tight labour market where employers can be more selective.
Despite these trends, the total number of workforce jobs in the UK actually increased to 37.1 million in March 2025, with human health and social work activities showing the largest growth.
Data from the House of Commons Library shows UK employment levels increased by around 667,000 over the last year, with the employment rate for people aged 16-64 at 75.1%.
Garner suggested that jobseekers should research thoroughly before applying for roles. “Look at the company’s values, culture, and recent projects. Then tailor your application to show how your skills and approaches align with their needs,” he said.
“The most successful candidates today don’t just tell employers what they’ve done, but show them what they can do, with specific examples that prove their value.”
