Have you seen the credentials?
The letters are many and the list is long.
When it comes to recruitment, I have come across so many who look amazing on paper yet when it comes down to it, they lack the real-world skills and experience to deliver.
Can you relate?
This is the fizz and no gin situation as my good friend says.
It’s instant noodles in a fancy package.
A CV with fancy titles, acronyms of certifications, well known companies can indeed be dazzling at first glance.
Yet, these so-called credentials don’t always translate to competence in my experience especially now with the “fake it until you make it” crowd.
Some people know how to play the game, getting into big-name institutions or organizations, then coasting through with minimal impact.
Others may exaggerate or selectively frame their experience to look more substantial than it really is.
The red flags are there if you are looking.
Lofty titles for one.
“Champion of Strategic Initiatives. “
Really, one person is leading all strategy in an organization.
A CV filled with short stints at multiple high-profile places may seem impressive at a glance yet if there is no clear development, what happened?
Buzzwords are buzzwords.
Terms like “thought leader,” “synergized,” or “cross-functional excellence” are often used to compensate for lack of real achievement.
Those who have actually built skills and solved problems can usually explain what they learned, especially from failure.
CVs that show a flawless, curated career path with no mention of learning, adapting, or overcoming obstacles may be fiction more than fact.
So, dig deeper.
To separate polish from performance, tailor your screening process.
Look for specifics, projects, tools used, metrics, and outcomes.
Watch for generic jargon without quantifiable results.
Ask for a portfolio or work samples.
Use behavior-based interview questions, I have been doing this for close to two decades.
Verify references thoroughly and ask about the candidate’s actual contributions, not just their presence.
In today’s competitive job market, a shiny CV can open doors, yet only substance sustains success.
Don’t mistake credentials for capability.
The best candidates don’t just look good on paper; they make things better in real life and better for real people.