Former Google recruiter reveals CV mistake that makes it 'invisible': 'You have only six seconds'

A former recruiter for tech giants like Google and TikTok has revealed a common mistake that can render a job applicant's CV "invisible" to hiring managers. Farah Sharghi, who spent over a decade in recruitment, advises candidates to shift their focus from listing responsibilities to showcasing concrete, measurable results.

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You only have six seconds to demonstrate that you can do the job.

Sharghi explains that in today's competitive job market, with tighter budgets, employers are increasingly seeking individuals who can immediately contribute and deliver outcomes from day one. However, many applicants continue to emphasize their eagerness to learn and develop, offering little tangible proof of their problem-solving abilities. "You only have six seconds" to make an impression, Sharghi warns, stressing the critical need for CVs to efficiently demonstrate a candidate's suitability for the role.

Instead of merely detailing job duties, Sharghi urges applicants to articulate how their work brought about positive changes. For instance, if a task that previously took 12 days was completed in three days after their intervention, this specific impact should be highlighted. Phrases like "managed," "coordinated," or "was responsible for" are insufficient without demonstrating the resulting achievements. This focus on quantifiable outcomes is crucial for standing out.

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I managed, I coordinated, or I was responsible for are not enough if the result is not explained.

Furthermore, Sharghi cautions against the misuse of numbers. A statement like "increased revenue by 40%" lacks impact without context. Recruiters need to understand the starting point, the specific product or service involved, and the initial objective to grasp the significance of the figure. She advocates for presenting numbers with accompanying context that illustrates their impact on the company. Generic descriptors such as "detail-oriented," "good communicator," or "results-driven" are also criticized as clichés that fail to impress.

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A figure without context can become 'invisible'.