Recruiters are quick to supply candidates but the accuracy of the match could be improved.

These findings come from a survey of north-west businesses by Manchester-based recruitment agency Phoenix Way, which revealed that nearly half of recruitment decision-makers were disappointed by how well candidates had been briefed for interviews.

Only 40% thought the candidate match was "fair", even though 68% of those questioned said they always prepared a detailed job description and 65% undertook a standard interview process.

Speed of response was rated more highly however – 73% of those questioned agreed that promptness of delivery was either good or excellent.

Commenting on the findings, managing director of Phoenix Way Alison Bagnall said: "It was enlightening to gain a better understanding of the mixed experiences of these organisations… with most seeking an improvement in the quality of CV information and the time spent briefing candidates."