Resume screening is an essential step in the recruitment process, as it allows you to quickly and efficiently identify the most qualified candidates for a given position. The goal of resume screening is to separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak, and to identify those candidates who are truly a good fit for the job. However, with the sheer volume of resumes that many companies receive, it can be difficult to know where to start and what to look for.
Why do we need resume screening?
Resume screening is an essential step in the recruitment process because it allows employers to quickly and efficiently identify the most qualified candidates for a given position. With the volume of resumes that many companies receive, it can be overwhelming to review each one individually and determine which candidates are the best fit for the job. This leads to a short time to review each resume averaging only 6-7 seconds per resume review!
Resume screening also helps to save time and resources for the employer. By quickly identifying the most qualified candidates, employers can focus on interviewing and evaluating only those individuals who are most likely to be a good fit for the job, rather than wasting time on candidates who are not a good match.
Furthermore, effective resume screening can also help to ensure that the employer is not missing any qualified candidates due to unconscious bias or lack of understanding of certain qualifications. By following a structured process of evaluating resumes, employers can increase the chances of finding diverse and qualified candidates that meet the job requirements.
What happens if resume screening is not done correctly?
If resume screening is not done correctly, it can lead to several negative consequences for the employer.
- Hiring the wrong candidate: If resumes are not screened effectively, it’s possible that unqualified candidates may be selected for the job. This can lead to poor job performance, increased turnover, and ultimately, a loss of time and resources for the employer.
- Missed opportunities: If resumes are not screened correctly, it’s possible that qualified candidates may be overlooked or eliminated from consideration. This can lead to missed opportunities to hire the best candidates for the job.
- Increased recruiting costs: if resumes are not screened correctly, it may lead to a longer recruitment process and the need to re-open the job posting, which can result in increased recruitment costs.
- Unconscious bias: if the resume screening process is not structured, it can lead to unconscious bias in the selection of candidates, which can result in the underrepresentation of certain groups such as women, minorities or people with disabilities.
- Legal issues: If a company is found to have discriminated against candidates during the resume screening process, it can lead to legal issues and potential lawsuits. The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against job applicants because of ‘protected characteristics’ which include: age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity.
Resume screening step-by-step guide:
This guide is designed to help you navigate the resume screening process and to ensure that you are effectively identifying the best candidates for the job. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to screen resumes quickly and efficiently, while also ensuring that you are not missing any important qualifications or information.
1. Start with the job description
Start by carefully reading the job description and identifying the key qualifications that the ideal candidate should have. This step is crucial in order to ensure that you are looking for the right qualifications and skills in a candidate. Take the time to understand the specific duties and responsibilities of the job, as well as the specific qualifications and experience that are required to perform the job well. This will help you to quickly and easily identify which resumes are worth considering and which should be discarded.
2. Evaluate all job qualifications
Use a resume screening template or checklist to ensure that you are consistently evaluating all of the important qualifications for the job. This will also save time. Having a standardised template or checklist to follow will help you to evaluate resumes quickly and efficiently, while also ensuring that you are not missing any important qualifications or information. Additionally, using a template or checklist will also help to eliminate any personal biases or preferences that you may have, as you will be focusing on specific qualifications and skills that are required for the job.
3. Highlight keywords you are looking for
Look for specific keywords and phrases that indicate that a candidate has the qualifications you are looking for. This can include education, certifications, and work experience that is relevant to the job. Many resumes will include specific keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job and indicate that the candidate has the skills and knowledge required to perform the job well. Look for these keywords and phrases in the resume, as they can help to quickly identify which candidates are worth considering.
4. Focus on work experience and education
Pay attention to the candidate’s work experience and education. Look for positions and degrees that are relevant to the job and indicate that the candidate has the skills and knowledge required to perform the job well. In particular, you should pay attention to the length of time the candidate has been in a particular role, as well as the specific responsibilities and accomplishments they had in that role. Additionally, you should also pay attention to the candidate’s education, as relevant degrees and certifications can indicate that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills for the job.
5. Watch out for candidate red flags
Look for red flags that may indicate that a candidate is not a good fit for the job. This can include gaps in employment, lack of relevant experience, or poor formatting and grammar on the resume. These red flags can be indicative of a candidate who may not be the best fit for the job and should be taken into consideration when evaluating resumes. Additionally, be aware of any information that may be missing from the resume, as this can also be a red flag.
6. Build a list of qualified candidates
After screening resumes, you should have a list of qualified candidates that you can move forward with. Schedule an interview to further evaluate the candidate’s qualifications and determine if they are a good fit for the job. This step is important to get a better understanding of the candidate’s qualifications and skills, as well as to gauge their communication and interpersonal skills.
7. Keep hold of applicants for important recruiting metrics
Finally, make sure you keep track of the resumes you have screened and the results of the screening process. This will be helpful for keeping track of the progress of your recruitment and for any future reference. It is important to note which resumes you have reviewed, which candidates you have moved forward with, and which candidates you have eliminated from consideration. This will help to ensure that you are not duplicating your efforts and that you are making progress in your recruitment process.
Resume screening: the first step in the recruitment process
Resume screening is an essential step in the recruitment process that can help you quickly and efficiently identify the most qualified candidates for a given position. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to screen resumes quickly and efficiently, while also ensuring that you are not missing any important qualifications or information.
It is important to start by reading the job description and identifying the key qualifications that the ideal candidate should have, using a resume screening template or checklist. Look for specific keywords and phrases that indicate that a candidate has the qualifications you are looking for, pay attention to the candidate’s work experience and education, look for red flags that may indicate that a candidate is not a good fit for the job, schedule an interview to further evaluate the candidate’s qualifications and finally, keep track of the resumes you have screened and the results of the screening process. Remember, resume screening is just one step in the recruitment process, but it is an important one that will help you to find the best candidates for the job.
