Recruitment consultants are pros at crafting the perfect CVs… for other people. But when it comes to their own? Well, that’s a different story!

It’s ironic, isn’t it? The very people who spend their days perfecting candidates’ CVs often don’t give their own the same level of attention. So why does this happen? 

Clients First, Always

Recruitment is a fast-paced industry. It’s client-driven, and often consultants are buried under deadlines. Getting a candidate’s CV polished, prepped, and ready to impress can feel like a race against the clock. You know that the time you spend on your own CV won’t bring immediate results. It won’t help fill that open vacancy or impress that urgent client waiting for a shortlist. So, naturally, it falls to the bottom of the to-do list.

After all, the role of a recruitment consultant is to make others look good, right? But here’s the catch: neglecting your own CV can backfire when opportunities arise for your career growth. Remember, in recruitment, it’s not just who you know, but how you present yourself too.

Overconfidence in Your Skills

You know your stuff. You’ve spent hours learning how to position candidates, highlight key skills, and make CVs shine. So when it comes to your own, you might think, “I’ve got this!” But overconfidence is a trap. Recruitment consultants often assume they can update their CVs in no time because they do it so often for others. But personal CVs need a deeper level of reflection, and it’s easy to overlook your own strengths or unique achievements.

Instead of putting in the same effort you would for a candidate, you might rush through it, thinking your recruitment experience will speak for itself. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t always.

“I’ll Get To It Later”

We’ve all been there – the old ‘I’ll get to it later’ mindset. For recruiters, “later” usually means after the big deadline, the next client meeting, or once that high-value candidate has signed. Recruitment consultants are notoriously busy, and their own career materials often get shoved aside.

But here’s the problem with procrastination: your CV can quickly become outdated. Suddenly, when that golden opportunity comes up, you find yourself scrambling to update everything. The last-minute panic could’ve been avoided with just a bit of regular CV maintenance!

Recruitment consultants are so focused on their candidates’ success that they forget to take care of their own professional tools – like a polished CV.

Just like any service provider, consultants can get caught up in delivering results for their clients. But it’s essential to remember that your CV is a marketing tool for you. If it’s outdated or incomplete, it won’t reflect the value you bring.

The Job Hunt Feels Too Far Away

If you’re content in your current role, updating your CV might seem like an unnecessary task. You’re not actively job-hunting, so why bother, right? But this thinking can leave you unprepared when unexpected opportunities come up, whether internal promotions or headhunting offers. Recruitment is a dynamic industry, and being ready with an up-to-date CV gives you an edge when these chances arise.

How to Prioritise Your Own CV

Now that we’ve established the reasons why recruitment consultants don’t spend enough time on their CVs, let’s talk solutions! Here are a few tips:

• Schedule Time: Set aside time each quarter to review your CV. Treat it like any other business task that demands your attention.
• Get External Feedback: You might be great at assessing candidates, but when it comes to your CV, a fresh pair of eyes can make all the difference. Take advantage of our free CV Review for Recruiters
• Keep a Running List of Accomplishments: Jot down achievements as they happen, instead of trying to remember them all when you sit down to update your CV.
• Remember the Bigger Picture: Your career progression is just as important as your clients’ or candidates’. Make your CV a living document that reflects your ongoing growth.

In recruitment, it’s easy to let your own career materials fall by the wayside. But taking time to craft a strong CV can open doors to new opportunities, promotions, or even a change in direction. Don’t let the demands of your role keep you from showcasing your value!

Prioritise your personal branding with the same dedication you give to your candidates and clients. It’s an investment that’ll pay off when you least expect it!