The CV Red Flags Checklist

linda7632
Aug 11
2 min read

In recruitment, speed matters — but so does smart screening. With the volume of applications often running high, it’s easy to miss subtle warning signs that could indicate a mismatch, misrepresentation, or just a need for closer questioning.

That’s where our CV Red Flags Checklist comes in. Whether you're scanning through hundreds of CVs or just a few key contenders, this guide helps you zero in on the signals that deserve a second look — from unexplained gaps to vague job titles and everything in between. It's a fast, practical read that could save hours down the line.

💡 What to Watch For — and What It Might Really Mean

1. Unexplained Employment Gaps

What to look for: Breaks in work history with no mention or explanation.
Why it matters: Not all gaps are red flags — but silence can raise questions.
What to do: Consider asking in a screening question or look for transferable experience gained during that time (e.g. caring duties, study, freelancing).

2. Job-Hopping Without Clear Progression

What to look for: Several short stints (under 12 months), especially in similar roles.
Why it matters: Could signal poor fit, restlessness, or cultural misalignment.
What to do: Check whether moves were upward steps or sideways shifts. Don’t overlook the gig economy or industry instability in recent years.

3. Overuse of Vague Language

What to look for: Phrases like “responsible for”, “involved in”, or “assisted with” without detail.
Why it matters: Candidates may be hiding a lack of ownership or impact.
What to do: Look for measurable results or clarifying statements (e.g. “Increased efficiency by 20%”).

4. Too Many Career U-Turns

What to look for: Regular industry changes with no link or narrative.
Why it matters: May suggest indecision or difficulty settling.
What to do: Some varied careers are strengths — look for a through-line of transferable skills or personal development.

5. Formatting That Obscures Facts

What to look for: Overly designed CVs that make it hard to see dates, roles or duties.
Why it matters: Visual style might be masking content gaps.
What to do: If the CV looks pretty but says little, dig deeper or ask for a plain-text version.

6. Big Claims Without Evidence

What to look for: “Excellent communicator” or “Proven leader” with no supporting examples.
Why it matters: Self-praise needs to be backed up.
What to do: Strong CVs show proof through achievements, results, or quotes from references.

🟡 A Word of Caution

Not every red flag is a deal-breaker. Many strong candidates have unusual paths, gaps, or career pivots — especially post-Covid.

Use red flags as prompts for further exploration, not automatic disqualifiers.

💡 Bonus Tip

Want to avoid these CV blind spots in the first place? Our ATS screens, stores and date-stamps every application — from job boards, agencies, and more — so you see the full picture, without confusion.