The Disconnect Between CVs

mairaazizi
Sep 11
2 min read

MA&Partners 11th of September

The Disconnect Between CVs and Interviews: What Candidates Need to Know

As someone working in recruitment, I’ve reviewed well over 1,000 CVs this year alone and probably interviewed just as many candidates.

And here’s something I see again and again.

A candidate with a strong CV struggles in the interview. A candidate with an average CV completely impresses when speaking.And sometimes, both the CV and the interview feel disconnected from the real value that person can offer.

It’s a pattern — and it's costing good professionals real opportunities.

The CV Isn’t the Final Word

Yes, your CV is important.It’s your first impression. It shows effort, attention to detail, and clarity about your experience. A well-written CV can help you get noticed — especially in a market like Dubai, where competition is high and recruiters are scanning dozens (if not hundreds) of profiles per role.

But once you're in the room (or on the call), the rules change.

Why Interviews Often Fall Flat — Even for Great Candidates

Here are the most common gaps I see:

❌ Too much focus on job duties instead of results.Candidates often list what they were responsible for, but not what they actually achieved. Recruiters want to hear impact — “I helped increase client retention by 30%,” not just “I managed client accounts.”

❌ Unclear career goals.It’s surprising how many professionals can’t answer, “Where do you see yourself in the next 2–3 years?” confidently. In Dubai especially, employers want people who are committed, motivated, and aligned with business growth.

❌ Poor storytelling.A job is not just a list of tasks. It’s a story. When you walk into that interview, you should be able to connect the dots between your past experiences and the opportunity in front of you.

❌ Lack of preparation.Some candidates rely too heavily on their CV. They assume that if it’s impressive, the rest will take care of itself. It doesn’t. You still have to show up, do your research, and be ready to explain why you’re the right fit — in your own words.

What Actually Makes a Strong Interview?

Here’s what I look for (and what employers truly value):

Self-awareness: Know your strengths, your growth areas, and what you bring to a team.Clarity: Speak clearly and confidently about your career journey, your achievements, and your goals.Relevance: Tailor your answers to the company and role. Show that you understand their needs and how you can help solve their problems.Genuine enthusiasm: Energy and engagement can’t be faked — and they go a long way.