Reviewing Resumes: How to Pick the Best Job Candidate

While most large companies and corporations rely on resume screening software to narrow down their potential list of candidates, small businesses don’t typically take the same approach.

With fewer resumes, they like to take their time, read them from start to finish, and gain insight into each applicant’s suitability before deciding who to interview. 

However, many business owners struggle to know how to pick the best candidates based on what they see in each resume. Although, you might find the process much easier when you pay close attention to the following resume information: 

Attention to Detail

Many job applicants will apply to multiple jobs using the same resume they created themselves or with easy online platforms like CVmaker. This means they can rush through the online application process to make sure they don’t miss out on a chance at being hired.   

While there’s nothing wrong with using the same resume for multiple jobs, details can be missed. You likely want an employee with exceptional attention to detail, so use the resume as the first test.

Look for information specifically included for relevance to your job ad and see if you can notice any spelling or grammatical errors. These might rule specific applicants out, depending on your available roles. 

Red Flags

While we can take all applicants at face value and know that their skills make them more than qualified for the jobs they’re applying for, it doesn’t hurt to look for any resume red flags. These can include large work gaps that require explanation, such as parenting or military service.

You might also notice job hopping or a static career with no growth history or learning and development. Not all red flags can mean you must rule out an applicant, but they can be worth identifying so you can question them about them in interviews. 

Jargon and Buzzwords

Jargon and buzzwords are great for making a resume read well, but they can also cover up a lack of knowledge on a particular subject. Look out for words that make someone sound more skilled than they actually are.

For example, someone might write that they are familiar with a particular software, but ‘familiar with’ might mean that they know what the program is for but aren’t confident using it. 

Customization

Applying for job after job and getting nowhere can be tiring, which might lead some applicants to put in minimal extra effort when applying for jobs.

Beyond a customized cover letter, they might not take the extra time to ensure their resume is tailored for individual businesses and what they’re looking for. 

However, this extra effort can be appreciated when you’re trying to attract top candidates. Pay attention to whether they’ve used keywords from your job advertisement to personalize their resume or taken a more generic approach. While job hunting can be tiring, applicants that go the extra mile in the application process might be valuable assets to your team. 

Reviewing resumes is a tough task, particularly when there are many stellar options to choose from. However, being aware of these points above might make it easier for you to narrow down the pool of applicants and make the right hiring choice.