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Paper applications are a thing of the past, as more companies have taken the
process online. But there are certain things you can see on a paper
application, like how neatly a person writes, that a screen won’t tell you.
Learn 5 fast ways to evaluate online applicants and make a good decision.
Fast Evaluation is Key
Image via Flickr by groundswell
You don’t have time to call every reference or research every entry.
Available jobs get swamped quickly with applicants, all of whom show themselves
in the best possible light. It’s your job to weed out those who are poor
candidates.
The problem: just about everybody lies and embellishes on the job
applications. Some are so good at it, they could practically get a real degree in fabrication. Look for certain key
points to make quicker evaluations and find the right potential candidates.
Look for Early Work Habits to Weed Out Laziness
Image via Flickr by woodleywonderworks
Studies show that employees who held jobs when they were in high school
excelled in overall job performance. Look at past work history to spot
candidates who worked while they were students. It is much more likely that
these applicants will be the conscientious workers you seek.
Be Suspicious of Connections to Family Businesses
Image via Flickr by star5112
Be particularly wary of applicants who worked in their own family’s business
in the past. It is possible they are coming to you from a very lax working
environment. If the rest of the application looks promising, don’t turn
applicants away. But you should ask them why they are not working in the family
business, as this is significant.
Add Up the Months
Image via Flickr by photosteve101
Look at the work history of each job applicant, and count the months.
Employees who worked for a short time at various places have a very shoddy work
history; why should they work more than a few months for you? Look for
candidates who worked for employers for long stretches at a time. You want
years, not months.
Grammar Says it All
Image via Flickr by billsaturno
How’s the spelling? Look for errors when it comes to grammar, capitalization
and punctuation. Poor spelling and word usage show sloppiness. This person
might have made mistakes because they were rushing to get it done. That’s not
how you want them to treat their work.
37% of Hiring Managers Go Online to Check Applicants
Image via Flickr by codemastersnake
More hiring managers are looking beyond the traditional application to other
factors, like social media. CareerBuilder conducted a survey that found 37
percent of hiring managers looking up their job applicants online. Of this
group, more than half turn to Facebook as a primary resource. It’s starting to
become a bit of a hot-button issue, as many social media users have protested
this hiring practice. However, social media can tell you a lot about who you’re
hiring.
Evaluate potential employees quickly and efficiently by looking at certain
key factors, and find the right person for the job.