A user-centered design study on interactive CVs in the IT consultant industry from the consultant seller and consultant buyer perspective

Abstract: The recruiter’s first impression of a candidate is often formed through the candidate’s CV, and the CV plays a vital role in recruitment processes for convincing the recruiter to proceed with an applicant to a first interview. Thus, it needs to catch the recruiter’s attention and show whether the candidate is an ideal match for what the recruiter is looking for. With the aim to explore web-based CVs with interactive elements and examine users’ habits and requirements in IT consultant recruitment processes, this study asks the question: How can the user experience of an interactive CV page be improved to help facilitate the recruitment process of consultants? By applying an iterative, user-centered design approach, utilizing the Constructive Design Research framework, the study results in a prototype and proposes design suggestions drawing on knowledge generated from the prototype. Further, three characteristics essential to improve the user experience and help facilitate the recruitment process of consultants are suggested.