Hiring the right IT talent is crucial, but reviewing long CVs filled with jargon can be time-consuming and often misleading. Many startups and tech companies are now looking for better ways to evaluate IT candidates without relying solely on traditional CVs.

A Jakarta-based startup faced this exact problem. They needed skilled developers, DevOps engineers, and data analysts, but long resumes were slowing down the recruitment process. They realized that skills, mindset, and problem-solving abilities mattered more than a lengthy list of past experiences.

The Challenge: CVs Don’t Tell the Full Story

Traditional CVs often have limitations:

• They focus on past roles rather than current skills
• They may exaggerate or omit key competencies
• They don’t reflect cultural fit or adaptability

Relying solely on CVs can lead to wrong hires or overlooked talent.

The Solution: Skills-Based IT Assessment

Instead of reading long CVs, the startup implemented practical assessment methods:

1. Technical Tests and Coding Challenges – Assess candidates’ problem-solving and programming skills directly.
2. Portfolio Reviews – Evaluate real work examples, GitHub repositories, or personal projects.
3. Structured Interviews – Focus on scenarios, problem-solving, and soft skills rather than job history.
4. Trial Projects – Short-term projects or paid trials to see how candidates perform in real work conditions.

These methods allow companies to focus on what candidates can do today, rather than what they have done in the past.

The Results: Faster, Smarter Hiring

By shifting the focus from long CVs to practical skills:

• Recruitment time decreased significantly
• Quality of hires improved as candidates were tested on real-world tasks
• Cultural fit and teamwork became easier to evaluate

Key Takeaways for Companies

For businesses aiming to assess IT candidates effectively without relying on lengthy CVs:

• Use practical tests and portfolio reviews to gauge technical ability
• Conduct scenario-based interviews to assess problem-solving and collaboration
• Consider short trial projects to see real performance

This approach ensures that companies hire competent, adaptable IT talent, saving time and avoiding costly hiring mistakes.