This article explains the CV parsing feature in Personio. The feature is available to employees with editing rights for the Recruiting section.

CV parsing is a feature that automatically analyzes and saves information from CVs. When a candidate applies for a job and uploads a CV, Personio transfers the information into the candidate's profile. This includes important basic data such as the candidate’s name, email address, and telephone number.

Personio's CV parsing feature uses software from the subcontractor Textkernel. You can learn more about our subcontractors in the Data Protection Information section of the Settings. You can opt in or out of the feature.

Automatic CV parsing

CV parsing for incoming applications

If you opt in to CV parsing, all incoming applications with a CV are automatically parsed. This includes applications from all sources. This speeds up the screening process and reduces the need for you to open profiles and read CVs.

What attributes are parsed?

The following attributes are parsed from the CV:

• First name
• Last name
• Location
• Phone number
• Email address
• Gender
• Current employer
• Current title
• Years of experience
• Public profile

Where can I see the parsed data?

The CV parsing feature captures key candidate attributes and transfers the data to:

• The Application List: You can view parsed attributes in the corresponding column of the Application List. You can also filter the list using these attributes, for example, if you want to see all candidates with the same current employer.
• The candidate profile: All parsed attributes are also displayed on the candidate's profile page, along with other candidate attributes.

Manual CV parsing

Use CV parsing to create a candidate profile

You can use CV parsing if you need to create a candidate profile manually. Follow these steps:

1. Go to Recruiting > Applications.
2. Click Create application.
3. In the window that appears, upload the CV or use drag-and-drop. Ensure the file format is PDF or DOCX.
4. Assign an open job to the candidate and select the channel through which you received the application.
5. Check that the parsed information matches the original CV.
6. Enter any additional information that is required.
7. Create your application.

Use CV parsing to create multiple candidate profiles

You can create up to 25 candidate profiles at the same time using CV parsing. Follow these steps:

1. Go to Recruiting > Applications.
2. Click Create application.
3. In the window that appears, upload the CVs or use drag-and-drop. Ensure the file format is PDF or DOCX.
4. A preview is created for each candidate. Assign the correct job and recruiting channel to the relevant candidate.
5. Check that the parsed information matches the original CVs.
6. Enter any additional information that is required.
7. Create your applications.

Notes
▶︎ The maximum file size per document is 10 MB.
▶︎ Avoid interrupting an ongoing parsing process to add more CVs. Once the import process is complete, you can start the process again.

FAQ: CV parsing

Why is CV parsing not working?

If the CV parsing feature isn't working, it could be due to the following reasons:

• The CV is not in PDF or DOCX format.

• Key candidate details, such as the name or email address, are contained in an image or graphic, or the entire application is formatted as such. For example, as a PNG or JPEG file.

• A ready-made template has been used for the CV, for example, from Microsoft Word.

• The CV is a scanned file, rather than an original PDF file.

• Key candidate details are contained in the document header or footer.

• Candidate details are presented in a table or multi-column format.

• The font size is smaller than or equal to 8 pt.

• Uncommon font styles have been used, for example, expanded spacing or small caps.

• Graphics have been used instead of text, for example, company or university logos.

• Competencies or skills have been presented with graphics instead of text, for example, bar charts.

Note
Personio's CV parsing feature converts CV files into plain text to extract information. Cases like the examples below make the conversion more difficult. You may have to enter details manually in the candidate profile.

Why is gender parsed when it's not part of the candidate's CV?

Information can be drawn from other details within the candidate's CV. For example, gender may be drawn from "Mr." being part of the name affix, national identity number, given name, or some other means. You can learn more in this article from Textkernel.