• Resumes should not take the place of a thorough employment application.

Careful applicant screening is an essential skill for finding quality new hires. Companies should assume that when they receive resumes, applicants are only providing the information that puts them in the best light. While a resume can be used as a general screening tool, it should not replace a thorough employment application.

There are many advantages to mandating application forms, such as:

• Comparing resumes and applications for discrepancies in information;
• Evaluating writing style, grammar, and punctuation, especially if it matters for the position;
• Having all applicant information in a consistent format for comparison purposes;
• Providing information that may be missing from resumes;
• Learning an applicant’s attention to detail and ability to thoroughly complete paperwork;
• Understanding how serious the applicant is about the position via the care put into their application; and
• Requesting an applicant’s signature that all information provided is true (and if it isn’t, having grounds for termination).

Above all, it is important for employers to be consistent in the review process. They may receive applications from all applicants, but not resumes. Relying on a resume alone for some, but not others, may cause inconsistencies in comparisons.