Imagine this

you have twenty CVs on your screen. Ten look neat and uniform, the rest all look different. Which one do you prefer to read?

In recruitment and secondment, it's not just about the candidate, but also about how you as a bureau come across. Yet some recruiters prefer to send the original CV, while others choose to format it in their own corporate style.

The most heard argument against 'branding'?

“Many agencies do not choose this, because they see the CV as the candidate's business card. A less well-maintained format would, according to them, say something about the candidate themselves.”

At first glance, that seems logical. But in practice, a uniform corporate style offers many more advantages for you, for the client, and for the candidate. 

Consistency builds trust

A consistent, recognizable format shows that you have an eye for detail. It exudes professionalism and ensures that your submissions stand out among the rest. Clients immediately recognize your style and know: this recruiter delivers quality. 

Better for the client, better for the candidate

Hiring managers often have stacks of CVs to assess. A uniform format helps them screen faster and more efficiently.

As Matthijs van der Velde, Recruitment Advisor at COA, puts it:

“I receive CVs from secondment agencies daily, and corporate style formats help me to screen candidates more efficiently and to avoid bias.”

A standard format removes distractions: no varying fonts, creative but awkward layouts, or unnecessary visual noise. Only the content that matters. 

Reducing bias in practice

A messy CV can unconsciously leave a negative impression, even if the content is strong. A neat, neutral format creates a level playing field, allowing every candidate to be assessed based on skills and experience, not on layout. 

All frequently asked questions about CVs transformed in a list

1. How do I quickly create a professional CV in a uniform format?

Manually cutting and pasting takes hours and often yields inconsistent results. With a tool like the CV Transformer from Spadework, you can convert any CV into a sleek, uniform format in your corporate style in minutes. This way, you have time left for what truly matters: engaging in conversations with candidates.

2. Why should I format CVs in my own corporate style?

A uniform format exudes professionalism and makes you recognizable to clients. Moreover, it helps hiring managers to screen faster because they don’t have to sift through different fonts and layouts all the time. It ensures trust and efficiency.

3. How do I prevent a messy CV from harming the candidate's impression?

An inconsistent CV can unconsciously evoke negative bias. By transforming every CV into a neutral, clear format, you ensure that the content takes center stage: skills, experience, and education. The candidate stands out, the recruiter gains time, and the client gets an overview.

Making the candidate shine

A CV in your corporate style does not mean hiding the candidate. It means presenting them at their best. Think of it like a stage with good lighting: the content remains the same, but the presentation makes the difference. 

In conclusion

Whether you are a recruiter or run a secondment agency: a CV in your corporate style is not just about marketing. It’s about clarity, consistency, and removing distractions. In a market where speed and first impressions matter, this can make the difference between being overlooked and being invited for an interview.

Want to know how to create sleek CVs in minutes without manual work? Discover how our CV Transformer does that for you.