Screening and Qualifying Applicants

Sorting through large quantities of mostly unqualified applicants can be daunting. These days the r sum s will arrive primarily via e-mail. For the sake of organization, dedicate an e-mail address just for applicants (e.g., [e-mail]). Set up an auto response that is sent to every e-mail received at that address thanking them for applying and letting them know their r sum will be reviewed and thoroughly considered for open positions.

Discipline yourself not to make judgments about a candidate based on r sum format or composition. Remember, you are not hiring someone for their r sum writing skills. The r sum is not the candidate. If the r sum is difficult to understand or leaves you with more questions than answers, but the candidate looks like a possibility, then a telephone screen is warranted to find out more.