Why isn't there any standard for machine readable CV's?

Question

A lot of companies have their own form which need to be filled in by applicants. This makes the process quite cumbersome for potential new employees. Why isn't there a standardized format for CV's? This could be anything from XML, JSON, YAML, CSV or some other text based format. This way the applicants don't have to fill in a news form every time and HR can just import the file into their system.I've searched around a bit but there doesn't seem to be any solution similar to this.

denysvitali · Accepted Answer

The EU has a standard format (although not really machine readable) that is called EuroPass [0].
I personally hate that template as it gives zero clues on the creativity of the candidate. On top of that, it's already kind of boring to screen 50+ CVs, let alone if they are all the same.
I personally think creativity plays a role on the candidate evaluation, because creating a document is a skill that is a must have in our field.
If the CV isn't structured, contains spelling mistakes (yes, really) or shows you have no clue on how to use a text-processing software, then it's already a negative point for said candidate (IMHO).
Having a machine readable CV would be interesting, but IMHO it should be somehow embedded in the CV itself, so that you can have both creativity and machine readability.
Also worth noting that companies like LinkedIn are already pretty good at parsing the data on your CV (or provide already a "machine readable CV", although not open).
[0]: https://europa.eu/europass/en/create-europass-cv

imajliv · Answer

I've seen https://jsonresume.org/ posted here before, so its being attempted at least.

intpx · Answer

For my most recent move, I didn't even submit a CV, resume, or cover letter. My (very sparse) LinkedIn profile was enough to get a callback and interview. I'm no huge fan of LinkedIn, but I like the idea that a digital portfolio of some sort can replace antiquated methods of documenting skills and experience. I'd love to see the day when folks are landing jobs based primarily on their commit histories.

tacostakohashi · Answer

No doubt there are several, none of which anyone of consequence cares about.
Who would maintain the standard? What are the fields that would be available?
In practice, the standard for machine readable CVs is a linkedin profile, and many ATS can import from there. I'm not very happy about it either, but that's the reality.

threefiftyone1 · Answer

I had this exact idea after watching my girlfriend struggle with a bunch of different applications that take 30 minutes each and ask for the same information.I was thinking that this might be something that a web3/Open source version of a standard would make sense

becquerel · Answer

Because there is not a business incentive for there to be one and businesses are the dominant party in the exchange.