Electronic CVs have the edge

Employers are rejecting paper CVs in favour of electronic versions, according to a survey of over 400 firms conducted by online recruiter reed.co.uk.

Nearly 80 per cent said that if they had to choose between two equal candidates, one with a paper CV and the other with an electronic one, they would pick the latter every time.

And almost two thirds said they would favour candidates with electronic CVs when selecting for interview.

The companies maintain that dealing with electronic CVs is faster and more efficient, but also admit that their perception of the candidate is affected by the way their CV is sent.

A third of recruiters believe that candidates who send paper CVs are computer-illiterate and behind the times.

But job seekers have failed to catch on to the trend. Although two in five recruiters say they now receive more than 90 per cent of CVs electronically, 15 per cent do not receive any electronic versions at all.

London-based employers are the most reliant on technology, with 44 per cent receiving the vast majority of CV's electronically.

But employers in Yorkshire and the north east are the most resistant to electronic applications.

Reed.co.uk director Paul Rapacioli explained that the survey explodes the myth that 'snail mail' is best when sending CVs.

"Job seekers should always send a paper CV if an employer requests one," he said. "However, if a choice is given it seems that electronic CVs are most likely to make recruiters feel that an applicant has the winning edge."