Resumes are written descriptions of job applicants' backgrounds, including employment history, education level, job experience, and more. It is essential to have a resume screening checklist during resume screening that guides you in determining whether a candidate is fit for an open position. A resume for a recruiter should be a mandatory tool in the job application process. 

A Complete Guide to Resumes

Imagine what it must be like reading hundreds of stories each day. Each of these stories requires a comparison to conclude which story is the best. Going through resumes when a company is seeking to recruit is very similar to reading stories. As all the stories have different authors, it is easier to evaluate them if they have the same structure. Therefore, the process of preparing to go through resumes begins before receiving any resumes The writing of the job application is the first stage in reviewing resumes for hiring. There should be a clear job title and job description, ensuring that capturing the right information is the focus. Resumes should contain the same basic information, such as experience, qualifications, and skills. Also, they include with cover letters where the applicant explains why they are the best fit for the job.

Resume Reviewing Tips

Here are reviewing resumes tips for a seamless and professional process: -

1. Be keen on what you require. Is your focus on experience, or skills, or maybe qualifications? Knowing what you want from the beginning will help to remove those that do not meet these minimum criteria.
2. Have some market data on job trends and experience. Compare what is within the resumes with what is happening in the industry. Applicants should have relevant experience.
3. Check for quantifiable data. This gives an impression of what the candidate can attain as a result.
4. Do some more investigation. If the resume includes social media page links, personal websites, or references, then exploration is required. Often, they can give a clearer picture as to the personality of the applicant. This information can reveal whether the person is the right fit.
5. Look over the entire resume. Formatting and font should be legible, and it should be easy to go through. Anything else may be revealing of a lack of professionalism.
6. For a clear comparison, have a rating standard to follow during resume evaluation. This ensures a reduction in bias.
7. The resume screening process should ensure that there is no discrimination. For this reason, personal details such as name, gender, address, and race should not come up during the review process.
8. At the end of the evaluations, divide the resumes into three piles. The first should be the yes pile for those candidates moving forward for interviews. The second the no pile for those who are not the right fit for the job. The third pile should be titled ‘maybe.’ This would be for those who will remain in the system in case of future opportunities.

So that reviewing resumes is more straightforward, there are resume screening tools that can identify the best applicants for the job. They are known as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These tools can assess the following: -

• Keywords that are relevant for job application.
• Proofreading to check for spelling or grammar issues. An applicant who ensures that these are none of these errors pays attention to detail.

Reviewing resumes for hiring can be time-consuming if done manually. Also, being unclear about expectations can result in mistakes being commonplace. Taking advantage of technology through ATSs when screening resumes can elevate the process. The HR manager should focus on having the right criteria in place to find the perfect fit.