Are we missing out on great talent because we overlook potential and transferable skills?

During our job-hunting workshop this week, I spoke with some brilliant people who are feeling frustrated. Not because they lack ability — but because they’re just not being seen.

The reality is, most recruiters (internal or agency) get hundreds of applications per role. And a CV often gets 6 seconds before a decision is made.

So yes — candidates need to get the basics right:

▪️ Location visible on page 1
▪️ Job title aligned to the role they’re applying for (rename it if needed and accurate)
▪️ A clean, clear CV with no waffle, spelling slip-ups or formatting chaos
▪️ Tailored highlights that show how you match what matters to that employer

But the responsibility doesn’t sit solely with candidates.

We, as recruiters, hiring managers and TA, have a part to play too. Spotting potential takes intention — and a willingness to look wider than job titles.

One of my clients hires this way consistently. They actively consider experienced candidates who may have been overlooked because their background isn’t a perfect match on paper — but the capability and adaptability is all there. And it works. Really well.

We all say we want to hire great people.

Sometimes, that means looking past the obvious CV match, and asking:
“Could this person grow into the role faster than someone who ticks every box today?”

If you’d like to join our next job-hunting workshop, just drop us a line.