While resumes serve as an introduction to your applicants, don’t overvalue their importance. Instead of making snap judgments based on a piece of paper, read between the lines and really get to know your candidates. Here are four areas to reflect upon during the hiring process:
- Employment Gaps – Many employers immediately discount candidates who have missing periods of time in their work history. Instead of assuming the worst, question your applicants on their gaps. There are many legitimate reasons, such as caring for a sick family member, why a candidate may have taken a sabbatical from work.
- Years of Experience – Relevant experience can be an important factor to possess, but don’t become married to a candidate’s years of experience. What took four years for Candidate A to learn may have only took two years for Candidate B to master. Focus on the quantifiable accomplishments from their previous positions.
- Core Values – Being qualified for the job isn’t enough. The right company culture fit means everything in today’s workforce. How someone does the job is just as important as what the person can do. Ask questions that will help you assess qualities such as honesty, reliability, coachability, integrity, etc.
- Outsource – Between the number of unemployed candidates and the currently employed inventory, finding the right person for the job is challenging. The time and money invested into the hiring process would be better invested into your company’s core competencies. Consider outsourcing your hiring needs to professionals experienced with reading beyond the resume.
An applicant’s actions should speak louder than the words on his or her resume. Focus on finding the person who will make a difference in your company…not the person who looks the best on paper.