In a previous blog post on Recruiting Effectiveness, we discussed identifying key realistic attributes and skillsets for your new hire. Now that the resumes are pouring in, how can you effectively handle that wave of screening to find the best candidates? Here are tips to help:
- Understand the job description and know what you are looking for. The best way to do this efficiently, as well as to avoid legal pitfalls, is to create a resume scorecard for each position.
- Look for a flawless presentation, correct spelling and grammar, and attention to detail.
- Some resumes will contain an objective statement at the top of the document, or will include a summary in a cover letter which may highlight key qualifications, and will almost always contain a brief statement of the applicant’s desired position. Does the objective statement line up with the open position? If there is a summary, did they take the time to tailor it to the position and address how their experience and strengths line up with the position?
- In the first skim, look for the easy-to-find qualifications. For example, if the position requires a college degree, does the applicant have one? If not, reject the resume. Same process for required experience.
- Any red flags at this point in your resume review? These are unexplained on the resume or in the cover letter and can include: employment gaps, evidence of decreasing responsibility, evidence of a career that has reached a plateau or even gone in the wrong direction, short-term employment at several jobs, and multiple shifts in career path.
These are just a few of our Recruiting Effectiveness tips on filtering resumes. Achilles Group engages with business owners and leaders to build a strong internal recruiting process that is intentional, effective and saves our clients significantly on outside contingency fees. Call Jennifer Heylmun at 281-469-1800 or schedule a discovery meeting through our website to learn more about how we can help you make smart people decisions!
