Reviewing 100 CVs for a Data Entry Role – Only 8 Made the Cut | Roamingdesk.com
At RoamingDesk, we were recently tasked with helping one of our top clients fill a data entry position. After a key team member moved on to a new opportunity, we needed to find a replacement quickly. We posted the job online and soon received over 100 applications.
While the number of applications was impressive, the quality varied greatly. After carefully reviewing each one, only 8 CVs made it to the next stage. Here’s how I sorted through the pile and the key factors that helped me identify the most suitable candidates.
1. Frequent Typos and Grammar Errors
In a data entry role, accuracy is essential. The job requires handling large amounts of data, and even small mistakes can lead to bigger issues. When I found CVs with typos or grammatical errors, I questioned the applicant’s attention to detail. Given the importance of accuracy in this role, these CVs were immediately moved to the “No” pile.
2. Poor Legibility
Some CVs were difficult to read due to poor formatting. A data entry specialist needs to be organized and methodical, so a CV that is cluttered or hard to navigate suggests the candidate might struggle with these qualities. Simple, clear formatting is key, and CVs that didn’t meet this standard were not considered further.
3. Incomprehensible Work History
Many candidates didn’t present their work experience. For a data entry role, it’s important to quickly see where someone has worked and what specific tasks they handled. Some CVs were confusing, mixing part-time jobs, internships, and unrelated roles without clear explanations. If I couldn’t easily understand an applicant’s background, their CV was set aside.
4. Missing Contact Information
A surprising number of CVs were missing key details, such as contact information. In a hiring process with over 100 applicants, it’s not feasible to track down missing details. If an applicant didn’t provide a way to reach them easily, their CV couldn’t move forward.
5. Lack of Relevant Experience
Many of the CVs we received were from people with little or no relevant experience in data entry. While we’re open to career switchers, it’s important to show how your past roles have prepared you for the position. If a CV didn’t demonstrate that the applicant had experience with tasks similar to data entry, it was hard to justify moving them to the next stage.
6. Excessively Frequent Job Changes
Job stability is important in a data entry role, where consistency and reliability are key. Some applicants had a history of changing jobs every few months, which raised concerns about their long-term commitment. While changing jobs isn’t necessarily bad, a pattern of short stints made it difficult to trust that they would stay in the role for long.
The Final Cut
After reviewing all the CVs, I ended up with just 2 in the “Yes” pile and 6 in the “Maybe” pile. Despite the large number of applications, only a small number met the basic criteria we were looking for.
For those applying to data entry roles, here are some tips based on what I saw:
- Proofread your CV carefully.
- Use clear and simple formatting.
- Make sure your work history is easy to understand.
- Include all necessary contact information.
- Highlight relevant experience.
- Show some job stability if possible.
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