Nairobi, Feb. 10 -- For many job seekers, the assumption is that the key to landing that enviable position lies in having the perfect CV. Some even pay to have theirs professionally done. Yet, while it matters, the best candidates usually do not have the best of resumes.

BDLife spoke to a number of CEOs to understand how they make these decisions when hiring. What do they look out for? What do they distrust? They talk about CVs that lie, gut feelings that save organisations, and dangers of mistaking style for substance.

Karaya Mokaya, managing partner at SKM Africa LLP, a professional services firm, says most high performers do not have great CVs. If a recruiter's focus is on that, they may not pick them.

"For extremely high performers...