Methodology for Analyzing a Resume (CV)

The Importance of Pre-Review

Resumes (CVs) come in a multitude of different layouts, sections and formats.

This variety can make reading them efficiently a challenge if you don't know where to start or what to look for.

For this reason, it is essential to study each candidate's CV carefully before conducting the interview.

This preparation allows you to better focus questions on areas of interest and validate key information.

It is even recommended to do a second quick review just before the interview begins, to refresh the notes taken and the points to be probed.

A simple but professionally impactful detail is to learn the candidate's name beforehand, so that you can greet him/her directly without having to consult the document at that moment.

Professional Profile Analysis (The Opening Statement)

Many modern CVs begin with a "Professional Profile" section or executive summary.

This introduction condenses the candidate's professional objectives, the characteristics he or she considers most representative of himself or herself, and the specific skills he or she possesses.

When reading this section, the manager should ask himself key questions for the future interview: Can my company, with the role offered, meet the expectations that this candidate describes?

Of the strengths the candidate mentions, which ones are really critical for the position?

Is there anything in their description that stands out and should be explored further?

Responses to these reflections should be noted as direct inputs to the interview questions.

Evaluating Work Experience and Accomplishments

The core of the analysis lies in work experience. The interviewer should review the duties performed in previous jobs and actively look for similarities to those that will be performed in the offered position.

This exercise allows you to identify tasks that the candidate is likely to perform with ease and, conversely, those functions that will need to be probed further to find out how he or she handled them.

If the CV describes specific achievements (e.g. "increased efficiency by 15%") rather than just responsibilities (e.g. "responsible for efficiency"), this offers a golden opportunity.

Accomplishments allow you to drill down more precisely not only on experience, but on the applicant's actual competencies and skills.

It is vital to take note of what aspects of their experience are unclear so that these can be clarified.

Minimum Requirements and Value-Added Verification

A fundamental step in the analysis is to ensure that the CV reflects compliance with the minimum requirements defined for the position.

If this information is not explicit (e.g., proficiency in a specific software), it should be flagged to be asked directly in the interview.

In parallel, the analysis should actively look for skills or knowledge that, while not indispensable, could add significant value to the role or the team.

These value-added points should be noted for exploration.

Identifying "Interesting Facts" (Motivators)

Finally, an efficient reading looks for elements that stand out as novel or different compared to other candidates.

This may include major career sector changes, descriptions of your own ventures, relevant volunteer activities, or specific courses you have taken.

This data is valuable because it allows you to ask questions about the "why" of those decisions.

The objective of inquiring into these points is to find out what really motivates and interests the candidate, what lessons he/she has learned from these experiences and what elements from these experiences may be transferable to the work environment.

Benefits of a Methodical Analysis

Investing time in this previous analysis brings multiple benefits: it allows to focus the interview questions and validate the fulfillment of requirements.

It also creates an atmosphere of genuine interest, as the candidate perceives that you have taken the time to read your CV carefully.

This, in turn, projects a professional image of the selection process, positively reinforcing the company's employer brand.

Summary

It is essential to study each candidate's CV before the interview. CVs vary greatly in format, and preparation allows you to focus the questions. Learning the candidate's name beforehand is a professional detail.

The analysis begins in the "Professional Profile" to understand objectives and expectations. When reviewing work experience, look for similarities to the job duties and, above all, specific accomplishments that demonstrate competencies.

Verify that the CV meets the minimum requirements. Look for additional skills that add value and "interesting facts" such as industry changes or volunteering. These points reveal the candidate's true motivations.