CV should be where firms start

May 10 2006 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

ALMOST half of small businesses do not ask for a CV before hiring new staff, a survey revealed.

About 42% of businesses polled by the Employment Law Advisory Service admitted they had recruited a new employee without seeing a CV.

The research was conducted after last week's episode of The Apprentice, during which Michelle Dewbury won through because of a polished curriculum vitae.

However, headhunter Paul Tulip, who boasted he had not needed a CV for his last two jobs, was kicked off the show.

The 26-year-old was told "You're fired" by Alan Sugar after admitting his CV was hastily prepared and contained errors.

Experts today warned businesses they could face damaging employment tribunals if they do not ask for the document from everyone they employ.

Pam Rogerson, head of recruitment at Elas, said: "Not asking for a CV is foolhardy in the extreme.

"The CV is the absolute starting point for any new member for staff, and is the guarantee that can protect the company from a range of legal problems."