Should You "Dumb Down" Your CV to Land Interviews in Today’s Job Market?

Reflecting on the feedback following my earlier post about employers ghosting candidates (link), and conversations at the recent Melbourne Talent Meetup, one thing is apparent: Australia’s job market for TA and broader talent roles is as tough as it's been in my 20 years in the industry.

We’re blessed with some of the most capable, high-achieving talent professionals in the world, yet many are finding themselves unable to secure new roles.

This challenge was one of the key reasons I was compelled to start scalr last year - to address the frustrations of being in the market for months without traction. Now I'm hearing more and more stories of highly skilled professionals searching for even longer without success.

So it's little wonder then that people are starting to wonder whether they should "dumb down" their CV in order to get noticed. I can see the logic in both sides of the argument:

The Case For Dumbing Down Your CV:

• Aligning with the Role: Overqualifying yourself can scare off hiring managers who think you’ll get bored or leave quickly. By focusing your CV on just enough relevant experience, you can present yourself as the perfect fit.
• Overcoming Bias: Some employers assume overqualified candidates expect higher pay or won’t commit long-term. Simplifying your CV can help counter this perception.
• Making It More Digestible: A CV overloaded with achievements or technical details can overwhelm hiring managers. A streamlined CV ensures they quickly see how you meet their needs.

The Case Against:

• Underestimating Your Value: Your CV represents your personal brand. Diluting it too much risks underselling your skills and missing opportunities that align with your potential.
• Misaligned Expectations: "Dumbing down" might land you an interview but could result in a role that doesn’t match your abilities or ambitions—leading to short-term frustration for both you and the employer.
• Honesty and Transparency: A simplified CV might feel disingenuous. Strong employers value authenticity and will recognise how your broader skills and experience can add value to their organisation.

So where’s the balance? To my mind, it’s not about dumbing down - it’s about tailoring. Focusing on the skills and experiences most relevant to the role while staying true to your career story.

Acknowledging your value and worth, while being single-minded about the types of roles and organisations that will provide the best challenges for you is key. As is being consistent and 'showing up' in the face of rejections. In my experience, candidates who demonstrate the greatest persistence and proactivity are often the ones who secure new roles quickly.

As recruiters, we often advise candidates to create multiple tailored versions of their CVs for different roles or industries. This approach helps to refine your experience and skills, presenting them in a way that aligns with the unique needs of each opportunity. By doing so, you’re not only demonstrating your suitability but also showing that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and align your value with the employer’s priorities. This level of personalisation can be the key to moving from overlooked to shortlisted.

As the year draws to a close, many are reflecting on challenges and lessons learned. For job seekers, it’s been a test of resilience and adaptability. With the new year ahead, it’s a chance to refocus, recalibrate, and prepare to tackle fresh opportunities.

If you're reading this and facing these types of challenges and dilemmas, hang in there, 2025 is going to be your year!

Happy Holidays.