34 Recruitment Experts Share the Top 3 Mistakes People Make on Their CV
18 August 2017
Experts Share the Top 3 Mistakes People Make on Their CV
It is the first impression you leave on someone you are hoping would employ you. Yet, people often do not take the necessary care when it comes to preparing their CVs. Thoughtless mistakes can result in a CV application being rejected from the onset.
Recruitment agents receive hundreds of CVs. We asked them: "What are the top three mistakes people make on their CV?" To give yourself a competitive advantage when applying for a job be sure to avoid making these mistakes.
In the section below, Georgina Barrick, Managing Director of Cassel & CO and Insource.ICT/IT Edge shares her points.
One of the top mistakes that people make is forgetting to put their contact details on the CV. You cannot believe how many beautifully crafted CVs I see where the candidate has forgotten their telephone number and email address.
Another common mistake is that people list their duties as they would appear on their job description rather than their achievements or outputs in the role. A list of duties really does not give the future employer any sense of whether you executed these well or not; what the results of your efforts were; and the impact of the business.
Importance of engineering contractors in delivering successful infrastructure projects. Learn about how the expertise, and cost control to help you.
Learn Safety and Compliance for Engineering Contractors
Proven strategies to source niche engineering talent in South Africa. Learn how to overcome sourcing challenges, tap into specialised networks.
Key skills essential for delivering successful engineering and IT projects. Learn how to identify, source, and evaluate high-performing contractors for you.
Project staffing models for your business. Compare time-based, milestone-based, and full project team outsourcing models to find the right fit for you.
Learn how to manage contract-based project teams with clear goals, strong communication, and smart structure—plus support from expert staffing partners.
In a high-growth business like yours, it’s not just about hiring fast—it’s about hiring smart. Businesses expanding rapidly often find themselves under pressure to scale teams while maintaining productivity and quality. This is where a scalable staffing strategy becomes essential. Flexible recruitment models can help businesses respond quickly to change, fill skill gaps, and stay competitive. At Network Contracting Solutions , we help organisations do just that—by building staffing solutions designed for agility and growth. Understanding Staffing Needs in High-Growth Environments What exactly qualifies as a high-growth business? Think startups scaling into new markets, established companies launching new product lines, or enterprises ramping up project teams. In all these cases, hiring needs become both unpredictable and urgent. Unfortunately, traditional recruitment models often struggle to keep up. Long hiring cycles, rigid contracts, and one-size-fits-all approaches simply don’t meet the demands of fast-moving businesses. That’s why scalable staffing solutions that adapt to your business tempo are vital. The Benefits of Flexible Staffing Models Flexible staffing models offer a responsive alternative to fixed hiring plans. Whether it’s contract work, temporary staff, or project-based recruitment, these approaches provide clear advantages: Faster hiring turnarounds Lower overhead costs Scalable resources based on project or seasonal demand Industries like IT, engineering, and finance are increasingly turning to flexible recruitment solutions to balance cost-efficiency with quality. Contract professionals allow businesses to bring in specialised skills exactly when they’re needed—without overcommitting on headcount. Aligning Recruitment Models with Business Strategy Sustainable growth doesn't happen by chance—it’s the result of aligning talent acquisition with your broader business objectives. The most successful companies treat recruitment as a strategic function, not a reactive one. To do this effectively, HR, talent teams, and business leaders must collaborate on core workforce planning activities, including: Demand Forecasting: Anticipate future hiring needs based on projected business activity, market trends, and internal capacity. Accurate forecasting allows you to avoid costly delays and seize opportunities when they arise. Skills Mapping: Identify the capabilities your teams need to deliver on business priorities—both now and in the future. This ensures you’re not just filling roles, but building the right mix of skills to stay competitive. Resource Planning: Allocate recruitment efforts and budgets efficiently across departments, regions, or time periods based on your company’s evolving strategy. Why flexibility matters: Business needs shift—new contracts land, market conditions change, and growth plans accelerate. A rigid recruitment approach can slow you down. That’s why flexible staffing models are key. Whether you’re scaling up quickly for a major client or entering a new region, agile hiring strategies allow you to respond with speed and precision. At Network Contracting Solutions , we specialise in recruitment solutions that evolve with your business. From short-term contract placements to long-term talent partnerships, we ensure that the right people are in the right roles at the right time—so your business doesn’t miss a beat. If you’re ready to start aligning your recruitment with your business strategy, submit your job spec here and let our specialists take care of the details. Tech and Tools to Support Scalable Talent Management Scalability isn’t just about headcount—it’s about having the right tools to manage that headcount effectively. From applicant tracking systems to AI-driven candidate sourcing, technology enables faster decision-making and better talent outcomes. At Network Contracting Solutions, we combine data-driven recruitment with automation tools to streamline onboarding, compliance, and payroll. Our goal is to make scalable talent management both efficient and transparent for our clients. Why Partner with Network Contracting Solutions When you're preparing for growth, you need a recruitment partner who understands your pace. At Network Contracting Solutions , we offer: Deep experience in contract, project-based, and international staffing Flexible recruitment models tailored to dynamic hiring demands End-to-end solutions—from sourcing to payroll and compliance Whether you're hiring for a three-month project or building a cross-functional team for global expansion, we’ll help you scale with confidence. A scalable staffing strategy isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a growth enabler. It helps you stay agile, control costs, and hire talent that drives your business forward. Ready to rethink your recruitment approach? Partner with Network Contracting Solutions and unlock the power of flexible staffing for lasting success. Frequently Asked Questions What is a scalable staffing strategy? A scalable staffing strategy is a recruitment approach that adjusts with your business growth, using flexible hiring models to meet shifting talent needs. Why is scalability important in high-growth environments? Scalability ensures that hiring keeps pace with business expansion, enabling faster time-to-market and reduced operational strain. What are flexible staffing models? These include contract staffing, temporary roles, and project-based hiring—offering businesses the ability to scale up or down as needed. How does flexible job recruitment differ from traditional hiring? Unlike traditional hiring, which often focuses on permanent placements, flexible recruitment emphasises agility, short-term commitments, and specialised talent. What recruitment models are best for a growing business? Contract and project-based models are ideal for growing companies needing quick access to specific skill sets without long-term obligations.
Hiring isn't just about filling seats—it’s about building a strong, sustainable team that can drive your business forward. And the recruitment partner you choose can either streamline that process or slow you down. There’s a big difference between a generic recruiting agency and a true strategic employment partner. While one might send you a stack of CVs, the other understands your business goals, anticipates workforce needs, and actively helps you plan for long-term success. At Network Contracting Solutions , we specialise in helping companies do just that. Our tailored recruitment services go beyond the basics—offering niche expertise, talent alignment, and hands-on support across industries. The Strategic Role of a Recruitment Partner Here’s a hiring truth: the term “recruiter” is evolving. Businesses need more than a service provider—they need a hiring partner who can contribute to workforce strategy. This shift from transactional hiring to proactive talent planning changes the game. A true recruitment partner: Aligns hiring with long-term business goals Provides market intelligence and skills forecasting Helps reduce turnover through better candidate matching Supports growth with agile talent solutions That’s the kind of partnership Network Contracting Solutions brings to the table—especially when scaling teams quickly, managing contract talent, or expanding into new markets. Recruitment Agency Criteria: What to Look For When evaluating a potential recruitment partner, keep these key traits in mind: Sector specialisation: A generalist recruiter won’t know the nuances of your industry. Look for niche expertise tailored to your business. Pre-vetted talent pools: Speed matters. Agencies that maintain ready-to-deploy talent reduce your time-to-fill significantly. Compliance know-how: Labour laws and regulations can be complex. The right agency ensures every hire is compliant and contract-ready. Local knowledge with national reach: Especially if you’re operating across South Africa, your partner should understand regional hiring challenges and trends. At Network Contracting Solutions, our recruiters don’t just tick boxes—we work as an extension of your team, providing expert staffing across IT, finance, engineering, healthcare, and more. KPIs and SLAs: Setting Clear Expectations Any solid recruitment relationship is built on accountability—and that starts with the right performance metrics. Some of the most important KPIs to track include: Time-to-fill: How quickly are positions being filled? Quality-of-hire: Are candidates performing and staying in their roles? Retention rates: Are placements long-term, or are you rehiring too soon? By setting clear Service Level Agreements (SLAs), both you and your recruiting partner can align on what success looks like—whether that’s quicker turnaround times, better talent retention, or reduced hiring costs. Interview Questions to Ask a Potential Partner Not sure how to evaluate a recruiting agency? Choosing the right partner is critical to securing top talent efficiently and cost-effectively. Asking the right questions can help you separate the contenders from the true experts. Here are a few insightful questions—and why they matter: 1. “How do you source and vet talent?” This question digs into the agency’s recruitment process. Are they relying solely on job boards, or do they proactively search through networks, referrals, and passive candidates? Also, ask how they assess skills and culture fit—do they use skills testing, structured interviews, or background checks? A strong partner should be able to describe a robust, multi-layered vetting process. 2. “What industries do you specialise in?” Not all recruiters are created equal. Industry specialisation means the agency understands the nuances of your sector—whether it’s compliance requirements, niche skill sets, or evolving market trends. This translates into faster placements and better long-term fits. 3. “Can you provide recent case studies or references?” Proof matters. Ask for examples of successful placements or client partnerships. Case studies show how the agency solves real-world hiring challenges, while references can give you unfiltered feedback about their responsiveness, professionalism, and results. 4. “What kind of candidate experience do you offer?” A great candidate experience enhances your brand and increases the likelihood that top candidates will accept your offers. Find out how the agency communicates with candidates, how transparent they are about the hiring process, and how they maintain engagement throughout. Asking these questions not only helps you compare different recruitment options—it also reveals which agencies are true partners, offering transparency, tailored solutions, and ongoing support beyond the initial hire. Network Contracting Solutions checks every box. We’re happy to share success stories that show how we’ve helped clients streamline their staffing and reduce time-to-hire without compromising on quality. Why Network Contracting Solutions Is the Right Recruitment Partner Here’s what makes us stand out: Proven track record in contract, project-based, and international staffing Agile recruitment models that adjust to your current and future needs Hands-on, specialist recruiters who understand your industry Measurable success , with KPIs and SLAs that keep us accountable Make the Right Choice Choosing a recruitment partner is more than a short-term fix—it’s a long-term strategic move. The right agency brings alignment, efficiency, and a shared commitment to building high-performing teams. Partner with Network Contracting Solutions and discover how tailored recruitment support can power your business forward. Frequently Asked Questions What is a recruitment partner, and how is it different from a traditional recruiting agency? A recruitment partner works with you long-term, offering strategic support, market insight, and candidate alignment—far beyond what a CV-sending agency does. What recruitment agency criteria should I consider when choosing a partner? Look for niche expertise, pre-vetted talent, proven results, and a collaborative approach focused on your business goals. How do I know if a recruitment partner is the right fit for my business? Evaluate their experience in your industry, ask for client references, and review their performance metrics and service guarantees. Why should I choose Network Contracting Solutions as my recruitment partner? We offer specialised support, measurable results, and a flexible hiring approach that aligns with your operational and strategic needs. Can a recruitment partner help with contract and project-based staffing too? Absolutely. Network Contracting Solutions has extensive experience in contract staffing, project-based recruitment, and international talent solutions. Need help making your next great hire? Submit your job spec and experience the difference of a true recruitment partner.
Every vacant seat on your team represents lost productivity - and every mis-hire can carry hidden costs that ripple through your organisation. That’s why smart companies are adopting more efficient hiring strategies and staffing models that combine the immediacy of contract talent with the stability of permanent hires. At Network Contracting Solutions , we specialise in tailored recruitment services that streamline your hiring process and dramatically reduce your total cost-per-hire - without ever sacrificing quality. Let’s take a closer look at how to improve your staffing efficiency. Understanding Staffing vs. Recruitment Staffing focuses on filling immediate , often short-term needs through contractors and temp roles. It gives you the agility to scale up or down on demand. Recruitment casts a wider net, aiming to build long-term, cultural-fit teams through direct hires. Why it matters: Choosing purely permanent recruitment can introduce overheads like lengthy interviews, training costs, and benefit administration. On the other hand, relying solely on contract staffing may leave gaps in institutional knowledge. By blending both approaches—partnering with a trusted staffing agency—you gain flexibility and long-term stability. Explore our full suite of services to see how we can tailor this balance for your business. Hidden Cost Drivers in Hiring: What You Should Know Many organisations underestimate the true expense of hiring mistakes: Bad hires can cost up to 30% of a new hire’s first-year salary due to productivity losses, retraining, and disruptions. Slow onboarding delays project momentum and drains team morale. Unfilled positions leave teams stretched and strategic goals unmet. Efficient hiring through a staffing partner significantly reduces these risks. With better time-to-hire and role alignment, businesses see faster results and better retention. Value-Added Services from Professional Staffing Agencies When you work with Network Contracting Solutions , you’re not just getting CVs: Pre-vetted talent pools ensure that every candidate presented is already assessed for skills, experience, and cultural fit. Industry-specific expertise means we understand your business environment and can source candidates with relevant qualifications fast. Compliance and payroll support removes legal and operational burdens from your internal teams. Reduced hiring risk through replacement guarantees and flexible engagement terms gives you peace of mind. These services go far beyond simple recruitment—they provide strategic hiring support that enhances your operations and saves both time and money. ROI Considerations: The Business Case for Outsourcing Recruitment Outsourcing your recruitment function isn’t just a cost-saving measure—it’s a strategic move that can deliver measurable returns across your hiring lifecycle. Compared to traditional in-house hiring models, outsourced recruitment offers a faster, leaner, and more scalable approach. You gain access to expert recruiters, streamlined processes, and advanced sourcing tools—without the overhead of building and managing a full-time talent acquisition team. Here’s how outsourcing recruitment drives real ROI: Reduced Time-to-Hire: Delays in hiring can cost businesses thousands in lost productivity. An experienced recruitment partner like Network Contracting Solutions leverages pre-vetted talent pools, efficient screening methods, and proactive outreach to reduce time-to-hire by weeks—so critical roles don’t remain vacant. Improved Candidate Fit and Lower Turnover: As mentioned, hiring the wrong person is costly. With tailored vetting processes, role-specific insights, and a deep understanding of culture fit, outsourced recruiters improve match quality—leading to better retention, stronger performance, and lower rehiring costs. Scalable Hiring During Growth Phases: Need to scale quickly for a new project or expansion? Outsourced recruitment provides the agility to ramp up or down based on your needs—without overburdening your internal team. This flexibility is especially valuable in high-growth or seasonal environments. Operational Efficiency and Cost Predictability: Recruitment partners bring technology, data, and structured workflows that minimise administrative burdens, reduce advertising spend, and improve the overall hiring experience for candidates and hiring managers alike. With transparent pricing models, you gain better control over recruitment budgets. Crafting an Effective Staffing Strategy for Long-Term Success Want to future-proof your hiring strategy? Here’s how: Use workforce data to anticipate skills gaps and build proactive hiring plans. Adopt hybrid staffing models that combine permanent and contract hires based on project and business needs. Maintain a talent pipeline so you’re never starting from scratch when a key role opens. Partner with a trusted staffing agency like Network Contracting Solutions for ongoing support, market insights, and immediate access to pre-screened talent. If you're ready to enhance your staffing efficiency, submit your job spec and we’ll take care of the rest. Smart Hiring is Strategic Hiring Ultimately, staffing should be a strategic investment—not just an operational cost. With Network Contracting Solutions, you gain a recruitment partner that understands your business goals and delivers high-quality candidates quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. From tailored recruitment solutions to fully managed contract staffing, we help companies access top-tier talent without the usual hiring headaches. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of using a staffing agency like Network Contracting Solutions? You gain access to pre-vetted talent, industry insight, compliance support, and faster, more accurate hiring processes—all of which translate into cost savings and performance gains. How can I reduce staffing costs without compromising on quality? Focus on efficient hiring methods, adopt flexible workforce models, and work with an agency that offers scalable, role-specific solutions. What’s the difference between recruitment and staffing? Recruitment focuses on permanent, long-term hires. Staffing involves short-term, contract, or project-based roles that provide agility. Is outsourced recruitment more cost-effective than hiring in-house? In many cases, yes. Outsourced recruitment reduces overhead, improves time-to-hire, and offers access to broader talent networks. What industries does Network Contracting Solutions specialise in? We work across IT, finance, engineering, healthcare, HR, and more—providing expert staffing tailored to each sector’s unique needs. Let’s take the pressure off your hiring process. Submit your job spec today and discover how smart, cost-efficient staffing can transform your business.
