Looking Beyond the Resume: Creative Candidate Screening

Learn the various moving parts and best practices used to select the best candidates.

Employers face substantial challenges when trying to hire the right person. One bad hiring decision can create legal and financial nightmares. In addition, employers often need to go through stacks of applications to find the right person and then make sure the applicant has the qualifications listed in the resume or application. For job applicants, a resume is a marketing tool, and it is up to the employer to exercise due diligence to ensure the applicant has been honest and truthful and does not represent an undue risk in the workplace. The solution is a hiring program that goes beyond the resume or application to make certain the applicant really has the qualifications needed for the job. It starts with an in-depth review of the resume to avoid sure signs of a bad hire. The employer can then use the interview and past employment verification process strategically to ensure a good hire. Employers may consider other tools as well in order to whittle down the applicant pool to focus on those candidates with the highest probability of success. Finally, employers can conduct background checks on the finalists, which can include checking social media and criminal records, although employers need to be very careful to use those tools properly. Criminal records are a highly regulated area and cannot be used unfairly to deny applicants a second chance. This presentation is an overview of how to go beyond the resume and is designed to give employers an overview of all the various moving parts and best practices used to select the best candidates. It also provides tips on identifying and avoiding legal traps for the unwary.