Resume screening is one of the most critical procedures in the recruiting process. It saves recruiters time, leading to fast and efficient hiring. Usually, resume screening is conducted manually or using automated software. Although you may spend hours manually screening a single candidate’s resume, the most important thing is identifying the best technique for the process. This article takes you through everything you need to know about the resume screening process. This includes what it means, resume screening examples, efficient resume screening methods, and tips for a successful resume screening to meet top talent.

What is Resume Screening?

Resume screening is a recruitment procedure whereby an employer or hiring professional reviews job applicants’ resumes identifying the best candidate. The CV screening process usually involves approving a candidate’s educational level, skills, work experience, and other information on the CV related to the job. Simply put, resume screening helps you narrow down suitable candidates for interviews and remove the unqualified ones. 

Nowadays, employers are resorting to online resume screening using automated tools. Using software to screen resumes simplifies the entire recruitment process, especially if you are posting your job openings on multiple platforms. However, note that there are plenty of resume screening tools, and it is crucial that you find the one meeting your needs. In this regard, extensive research that involves testing and comparing resume screening software is needed to find a suitable one for your organization. 

Importance of Resume Screening

Nowadays, there are plenty of online job boards and social media websites where employers advertise job openings. Therefore, you are likely to receive a gazillion resumes once you post a job opening. To understand each applicant’s background and whether they qualify for a job position, resume screening is crucial, whether conducted manually or using automated software. 

Another reason to screen resumes is to understand whether a job advertisement’s needs or requirements will help you meet the most suitable candidate. If a recruiter doesn’t meet a suitable candidate from job advertisements, they may want to consider adjusting the conditions. Generally, resume screening helps you to find not only the most qualified candidate but one that will fit right into your company’s culture. 

Methods of Screening Resumes

As mentioned earlier, resume screening can be conducted manually or by an automated cv screening tool. Both of these methods are efficient, but you need to choose the one that meets your business needs. You can also implement both in resume screening, especially if you are hiring for multiple positions. 

Manual Resume Screening

This resume screening method allows recruiters to analyze job applicants’ resumes independently without the assistance of automated software. This process can be lengthier since you get to spend multiple hours screening a single document. As a result, you may end up getting tired, thus making wrong and rushed decisions. Manual resume screening is highly recommended when hiring employees for senior positions. You will thoroughly evaluate qualifications, skills, educational level, etc. It also allows you to identify elements that automated software cannot. 

When manually screening resumes, it is essential that you understand how to go about it for an efficient process. Start by identifying what you expect from the candidates and ensure your job description is updated. In addition, develop your criteria such as desired work experience, educational levels, and driver’s licenses if need be. You must also consider skills to know what a candidate will bring to the table once hired. 

Before you start to manually screen resumes, have a detailed plan to avoid confusion. For instance, you can arrange or organize the resumes alphabetically or per your preference. This also makes it easier for you to complete the process. 

Automated Resume Screening

When it comes to automated resume screening, recruiters analyze resumes using automated software. These software feature artificial intelligence, which allow resume screening to be done based on predetermined criteria. The best element about automated screening of resume is that it simplifies the recruitment process by quickly sifting out unqualified candidates. Furthermore, it removes biases, which some recruiters may place during the recruitment process. It only narrows down candidates based on specific keywords. 

Unfortunately, software for resume screening cannot measure the intangibles. For instance, they can not see the writing style or a candidate’s CV format. On top of that, unqualified candidates may pass the resume screening stage. This is especially if they used the required keywords specified in the job description on their applications. 

Mistakes Employers Make When Screening Resumes

While screening resumes, some employers conduct background checks to prove whether the information listed in resumes is accurate. However, most of them do not understand that they are making mistakes along the way. Some of these mistakes include:

• Conducting background checks without job applicants’ consent
• Failing to be consistent and only screening a few candidates instead of all. As a result, employers miss some information, leading to wrong hires. 
• Failing to communicate your findings and not giving a candidate a chance to explain themselves. 
• Failing to effectively conduct background checks by ignoring key elements. For instance, checking candidates’ driving history is essential if you are looking for a driver. 

Conclusion

Succeeding in your business requires you to have the best employees in your corner. With resume screening, it will be easier for you to identify candidates worth interviewing. Whether you conduct the screening manually or use a resume screening tool, the most important thing is a detailed plan and checklist. In the end, the entire recruitment process will be simplified, thus increasing your chances of hiring the best. Remember, communication is key, so always communicate with the applicants for more clarity regardless of your findings.

To effectively screen resumes using automated software, you need a detailed resume screening checklist. For instance, you need applicant tracking tools with an inbuilt search function to quickly find candidates with more potential. ATS screening resume will also help you approve the qualities you require in candidates. What’s more, you need a resume enricher and screener to understand the candidates better and find top talent.