When embarking on the journey of hiring a new employee, numerous considerations come into play. Among the essential aspects is defining the profile of the ideal candidate. Is a bachelor's degree a prerequisite? Should they possess prior work experience? What specific qualities should they possess?
Once you've outlined the criteria for your perfect candidate and conveyed this information in your job listing, you might think the hard part is over. But, in reality, the real challenge begins when you start reviewing the pile of resumes your job ad attracts.
What to Watch for on a Resume
On paper, everyone can look perfect. However, how do you dig deeper to identify potential red flags that might suggest a candidate isn't the right fit? Here are six indicators you should watch out for while assessing resumes:
- Frequent Job Changes: When you encounter a resume with a long list of previous job positions, it may initially seem impressive due to the apparent wealth of experience. However, it's essential to delve deeper into the reasons behind these frequent changes. Job-hopping doesn't necessarily have the negative connotation it once did; circumstances like layoffs, company closures, or the impact of COVID-19 can explain these transitions. What matters most is listening to the candidate's explanations for leaving each role. Do they disparage their former bosses? Do they omit some job experiences? Do they react poorly to constructive criticism? A brief phone interview can help you determine if it's worth considering this candidate further.
- Employment Gaps: Examining the intervals between each job on a candidate's resume is crucial. Ensure that their past experiences are relevant to the position they're currently applying for. If their most recent role in the field was a decade ago, they might need additional support to bridge the gap. During a phone interview, you can ask them how they've kept up with industry developments to gauge their preparedness.
- Spelling and Grammar Errors: A resume is a candidate's initial presentation to potential employers. It's their opportunity to make a strong first impression, with ample time for editing and reviewing. If you come across grammar or spelling mistakes, typos, disorganization, or outdated information on a candidate's resume, it could be indicative of their work performance.
- Career Stagnation: A candidate who has consistently held the same type of position over the years or even taken a step back in their career progression may lack the motivation to grow or face obstacles hindering their advancement.
- Non-Relevant Information: If a candidate includes irrelevant information like headshots, personal quotes, or unrelated personal events on their resume, it might be an attempt to distract from a lack of pertinent experience. It could also indicate they're trying to divert attention from something they'd rather not highlight.
- Generic Resumes: As an employer, you want to ensure that candidates have taken the time to read and understand the job description, responsibilities, and requirements. Customizing their resume or providing a cover letter with keywords and phrases from the job ad demonstrates their genuine interest. A one-size-fits-all resume may suggest that the candidate has applied indiscriminately and might not remember your company when contacted.
Effective Candidate Evaluation
It's important to remember that having one or even several red flags on a resume doesn't automatically disqualify a candidate. Consider giving them a call and asking probing questions to gain a deeper understanding. Life often presents challenges that can result in career diversions.
Moreover, expanding your hiring process can be beneficial. Involve experienced team members in the evaluation process and gather their opinions. Conduct phone screenings before inviting candidates for in-person interviews. Utilize assessments to gain insights into candidates' personality traits and work ethics.
Hiring the wrong person can be costly and a waste of time. By implementing a comprehensive hiring approach, you can increase the likelihood of finding the perfect fit for your business.
The team at AAI is here to help you accelerate business growth and improve your revenue-making capabilities. Contact us today to learn more about our unique insurance agent network.