• Applications and resumes are the most common types of information.
• Information is only good if it is verifiable.

Once recruiting efforts are underway, various types of applicant information will begin to surface. The two most common types of information are the employment application and resume.

A major aspect of sifting through applicants is the employment application. Employers may get information in other formats, but the job application is usually the meat and potatoes of the selection process. Even if other forms are involved, such as resumes, the employment application should be the major source of information.

Unlike the employment application, the resume is drafted by the applicant, and thus contains the information applicants want employers to know. Most employers find it beneficial to use the resume as a general screening tool, but not as a replacement for a thorough employment application for serious applicants. By having both documents, employers can compare the two for any discrepancies.

An employer’s main objective is to identify anything that might cause the screening process to discontinue. In other words, an employer is looking for possible disqualifiers, or red flags, that indicate the applicant may not be a good fit for the organization.

When reviewing an employment application or resume, there are certain things an employer should look for. This will vary based on the type of application and position, but some general factors to consider are:

• Does the applicant have the key qualifications?
• Does the applicant have experience in a similar job or environment?
• Does the applicant have skills and knowledge associated with the essential functions of the job?
• Does the applicant have any meaningful accomplishments?

Employers are looking to determine what applicants could do for them—how they could handle the position and fit in with the organization. Because the best way to find these answers is to determine how the applicant has performed in other organizations or experiences, past experiences are one of the most important things to watch for when reviewing information.

It’s also very important to look at the KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities) right away. If these are not adequate, an employer may save time in reviewing the rest of the information. When looking at KSAs, employers should make sure they are relevant to the position.

Information is only good if it is verifiable, such as:

• Salary
• Positions held
• Education