The Human Factor in CV Evaluation and Soft Skills Assessment
When it comes to recruiting the top procurement and supply chain talent, you need to be able to evaluate CVs efficiently and effectively; which is not always easy when you only have so many hours in the day. While CV scanning software is extremely useful, it’s important to consider – and embrace – the human factor in CV evaluation and the crucial role of soft skills assessment.
Beyond the black-and-white text on a page, employers need to look for attributes that define a candidate’s potential as a valuable team member and contributor. In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of CV evaluation and the significance of assessing soft skills. We’ll also provide valuable insights to help you make informed hiring decisions.
The Importance of the Human Touch in CV Evaluation
CVs are usually the first point of contact between job seekers and potential employers. That’s why it’s vital that every CV evaluation is carried out by a real person. The process needs the judgment, intuition and decision-making skills of recruiters and/or hiring managers. Here’s why:
Context Matters:
While CVs are typically structured with rigid categories like education, work experience and skills, it’s crucial to remember that no two job openings are identical. Recruiters often seek a unique blend of qualifications and attributes that match the specific needs of a role. Tailoring your evaluation to the job description and the overarching needs of your company and its people is paramount.
Identifying Potential:
While qualifications and past experiences are vital, human evaluators can also gauge a candidate’s potential for growth and development within the organisation. They can identify individuals who might not possess all the requisite qualifications but show the aptitude and attitude to quickly acquire the necessary skills and make a substantial impact.
Addressing Bias:
Human evaluators can actively work to mitigate bias in the hiring process. Unconscious biases related to gender, race, age and other factors can inadvertently seep into CV evaluations. Human involvement allows for a more conscious effort to recognise and counteract these biases. Furthermore, it enables the consideration of candidates with unconventional backgrounds who might be overlooked by automated systems.
Adaptation to Unique Roles:
Some positions require highly specialised skills or unique combinations of abilities that may not fit conventional templates. Human evaluators are better equipped to recognise exceptional candidates whose expertise may not neatly align with standard job descriptions.
How to Recognise Strong Soft Skills
Beyond the hard skills and qualifications mentioned on CVs, another layer of evaluation often separates excellent candidates from the rest: soft skills assessment. Soft skills, also known as interpersonal or people skills, encompass attributes like communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving. These skills are invaluable in today’s workplace, where collaboration and agility are highly sought-after and valued attributes, particularly in procurement and supply chain.
Communication:
Effective communication is a cornerstone of success in any role. Look for candidates who can convey their ideas clearly, actively listen and adapt their communication style to various audiences. Seek out examples of situations where their communication skills played a crucial role in achieving a positive outcome.
Teamwork:
Collaboration is the heart of most workplaces. Look for candidates who can work harmoniously with others, contribute to team goals and resolve conflicts constructively. Consider mention of successful group projects, experience in cross-functional teams, or volunteer work undertaken that demonstrates their ability to work collaboratively.
Adaptability:
The modern job landscape is constantly evolving. Identify candidates who can adapt to change, learn new skills and thrive in unpredictable environments. Evaluate instances where they embraced change or successfully navigated challenging situations.
Problem-Solving:
Problem-solving skills are highly valued because they enable employees to overcome obstacles and find innovative solutions. Assess examples from their work or personal experiences where their problem-solving abilities made a difference.
Tips for Enhancing CV Evaluation and Soft Skills Assessment
Now that you understand the importance of soft skills assessment, here are some practical tips to incorporate into your evaluation process:
Customise Your Assessment:
Customise your evaluation for each job application by focusing on relevant soft skills. Consider how these skills align with the specific requirements of the role.
Seek Specific Examples:
Instead of relying on vague claims about soft skills, look for concrete examples in CVs. Assess situations, actions taken and the positive outcomes achieved through their soft skills.
Discuss Soft Skills in Interviews:
Use the interview process to delve deeper into candidates’ soft skills. Ask behavioural questions that require them to provide specific examples of how they’ve applied these skills in the past.
As you can see, your role in evaluating CVs extends far beyond qualifications. It involves understanding the human factor in CV assessment and recognising the significance of soft skills assessment. By following the above guidance you can make informed hiring decisions that identify candidates who not only possess the necessary qualifications but also the potential to be valuable team members—a well-rounded blend of hard and soft skills that contribute to your organisation’s success.
Moreover, working with a skilled procurement and supply chain recruiter can significantly enhance this process. Recruiters bring their expertise in identifying and assessing soft skills to the table, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of candidates. They understand the specific needs of your organisation and can help you find candidates who not only match the job description but also fit seamlessly into your workplace culture.
If you’re looking to upskill or grow your team, contact Bramwith today. We have access to the top procurement and supply chain talent, and we would love to help.
