Is this snarky?

[Realtealseal]

I own a small business in an industry that a lot of people would see as unskilled, but actually I do need a certain set of skills when I'm hiring staff. Quite often I get applicants who say "sorry I don't have a CV" (for context these are all sorts of people, all ages, people who should definitely know what a cv is). Would it be snarky to say something like this?

"I understand you don't have a CV, please send me an outline and details of your previous work history, skills and any qualifications or additional training". Obviously that's me asking them to make and send me a CV., but I don't want it to come across as passive aggressive. More like "I need this from you so I can see how you compare to other applicants".

As a side note, isn't it bloody weird to apply for a job without a CV? Like, just make one?!

Maybe they are people who have been outside the workforce for a while? Everyone says "just get a job" to people who are long term unemployed due to illness, or caring responsibilities or high-needs children, but this is one of the major barriers to people doing that.

I don’t think it’s snarky. It may be that if literacy is not important for the role they may struggle with creating a c.v but how you have worded it is not snarky at all.

I would say an up to date CV is the bare minimum required in order to have any chance of moving forward in the hiring process.

Maybe so, but I'd still like to know what skills they feel they have that could contribute to the job they're applying for. Otherwise there's no reason I'd hire them, I wonder why they think they'd have a chance of getting a job without being able to show they're worth employing (the purpose of a cv). I'm not saying they're NOT worth employing because they've been raising a family or whatever (which I know comes with it's own set of skills and hard work!), but I kind of need something to go off.

Is this what you would say in response?

Would you hire someone who didn’t have the nous to know that a CV is vital and the initiative to produce one? Sounds like that could be your threshold for rejecting their application.

Absolutely.
You need to make comparisons between applicants. I don't see how that would be possible without a CV highlighting what skills they have, relevant to the job.

Could you ask for a personal statement either written or by video on why they feel they’d be a good fit/what skills etc they bring? A lot of people without a traditional employment history find the typical cv format really hard

I think what you've written is perfect.

There are many reasons people might not have a CV. They could be illiterate, not know what a CV is, have poor computer skills, not be fluent in English etc. It doesn't mean they wouldn't be good for the role if it's something like cleaning, for example.

I have indeed rejected applicants for this reason in the past, but I'm concerned I'm missing out on some good potential. Because people see it as a low skilled 'fun' job, they don't seem to take it seriously. Maybe that's my answer after all

Oh that's a good idea! Especially the video bit. That would make it much more inclusive for people who would struggle with creating a CV

Thank you! It's not cleaning but similar in the way in which you don't need a rocket science degree (or any degree at all), but verbal and written communication is a must so I do need to see something that reflects this

Another thought - could I send a template for them to fill in? I suppose that's like an application form really

“Unfortunately, without a CV I am unable to process your application further”

verbal and written communication is a must

In this case, my response to someone saying they don't have a CV would be "can you please write one".

I think this is a good way round it, particularly if you need them to be able to read/write for the role.

I think I'll do this. Then its in the format I want as well, bonus!

I didn't take a traditional career path and my CV is all over the place so I use a skills based one which some prefer TBH, it helps when sending in bids for contracts too.

The very least you can do is come up with a basic CV, it's not rocket science. If like me you have a labyrinthine work history or gaps where you've been unwell or in a care position, you can still put something down to give yourself the best chance of a job.

There's loads of free advice and help on CVs on and offline if you can be bothered. I know several functionally illiterate people and they all have CVs.

Sorry cross posted.

I think this may be the best solution, I'm dyslexic and I hate forms with a passion, but if people don't have a CV it would be more useful to you if you need to have a degree of literacy for the job.

This has always been my view too, that you need to put everything you have forward to have the best chance of getting a job. I would be more than happy with a skills based CV! It's just been hapoening so often I was starting to think I had unrealistic expectations. Thanks to you and everyone on this thread for making me see I'm not the issue 😂

My adult child works for a not for profit organisation providing information advice and guidance (all free to the individual paid for by tax payers via a government programme). Adult child frequently attends meetings when major redundancies in the area are announced. They find that most people who've been in work for many years don't have a CV and don't have the necessary skills to draft their own.

so I guess that's it's not a lack of wanting work that stops people having a CV, it's a lack of job search skills.

so if I were you i would try looking at their work history, and than interviewing any that look promising. Yes, it may be more work for you, but you may be passing over someone with the exact fit for your company. And that may cost you more in the long run.

I recently saw a post on Facebook from a company for seasonal workers, to make the application you had to compete a simple online form and upload a CV. One of the first comments was how do I apply, I dont have a CV!

Do people really think they will get a job if they dontbhavw the nous to organise a simple CV

It is totally acceptable and I wouldn't think twice about sending a reply like this. I would possibly send something along the lines of, we need the best people for the job, and wish to hire staff that have the skills and abilities that we need. We therefore need some kind of written document from you that demonstrates you are the kind of person we are looking for.

For yourself, you only want applications from people that are committed enough to invest a little time into it as well.

Maybe make clear that these skills don't necessarily have to have been achieved in a work environment? Dedication to hobbies shows commitment. Running a household shows organisational skills. Willingness to learn is important. You could be clear that there are certain interpersonal skills you are looking for and these do not necessarily have to have been achieved in a traditional work environment, but you do need some form of written application. I think a form is a good idea, as are skills based questions - "Tell me about a time when you handled a difficult situation or person". Gives you an idea of a persons skills without them necessarily having to have worked in a formal environment. Plenty of info on this online!! (This is how the Civil Service and many other places recruit by the way - skills based questions only.) These days it's seen to be the best method of hiring people in a non discriminatory way.

Yes that's what I mean in my OP, they don't have a 'CV' but I still need to know all the details that would typically be included in a CV (work history, skills and qualifications)

Thank you, really appreciate your reply! Maybe they see the formal nature of a CV overwhelming. I'll draft up a form