Why Recruiters Should Ditch the Resume

May 4, 2023
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Claire Stachniewska
Why Recruiters Should Ditch the Resume

The structure of the resume has remained largely unchanged since it was developed in the 1940s. It's a static document that fails to capture a candidate's true potential. Candidates may not have all the necessary experience listed on their resume, but they could still be the right fit for the job.

Resumes also do not capture the different experiences candidates may have, such as short-term projects or remote work. A candidate may have worked on a range of projects that have developed a diverse set of skills, but this may not be reflected on their resume. With HiPeople Assessments, hiring teams can assess candidates across soft skills, personality, culture fit, cognitive abilities, and hard skills.

Biases in Resumes

Research has shown that resumes can be biased, with recruiters often favoring candidates who share their characteristics or who come from similar backgrounds. This can lead to a lack of diversity in the workplace and prevent talented candidates from being considered. Recruiters may overlook candidates who don't fit the mold of the "perfect candidate," which can be detrimental to both the candidate and the organization. Fast, easy, and bias-free. Our job-specific candidate assessments help you find the candidates who fit the job the best.

Inability to Measure Soft Skills

Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, are essential for success in the workplace, but they are difficult to measure through a resume. A candidate may have an impressive list of qualifications and experiences, but if they lack the soft skills necessary to work effectively with others, they may not be a good fit for the job.

Alternative Methods to Evaluating Candidates

Skills Assessments and Tests

One alternative to the traditional resume is using skills assessments or tests that measure a candidate's abilities in specific areas, such as critical thinking or problem-solving. These assessments can provide a more accurate picture of a candidate's skills and potential than a resume.

Skills assessments are especially useful for evaluating technical skills that are essential for certain roles. For example, coding skills can be assessed through coding challenges that measure the candidate's ability to solve problems and write efficient code.

Video Interviews and Online Platforms

Video interviews or interactive online platforms that allow candidates to showcase their skills and experiences in a more dynamic and engaging way than a resume ever could. This method allows recruiters to evaluate a candidate's communication skills, personality, and work ethic, which can be difficult to gauge through a resume.

These platforms allow candidates to demonstrate their skills and creativity in a more engaging and interactive way, giving recruiters a better sense of their abilities. Additionally, these platforms can be accessed from anywhere, which makes them a convenient option for remote recruiting.

Social Media and Online Professional Networks

Recruiters can also use social media and online professional networks to evaluate a candidate's online presence and reputation, which can provide valuable insights into their personality, work ethic, and communication skills.

LinkedIn is a particularly useful tool for recruiters, as it allows them to view a candidate's work history, education, skills, and recommendations from previous colleagues or supervisors. Recruiters can also search for candidates based on specific criteria, such as location or industry.

Reference Checks

Reference checks are also an important alternative to traditional resumes. According to a study by CareerBuilder, 75% of HR managers have caught a lie on a resume. This highlights the limitations of relying solely on resumes as a way of evaluating candidates.

Speaking with previous employers or colleagues can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a candidate's work history, skills, and personal qualities. This method can provide recruiters with valuable information that they may not have otherwise obtained from a resume.

References can provide insights into a candidate's work style, communication skills, and ability to work effectively with others. They can also verify information that the candidate has provided on their resume, such as their job titles, responsibilities, and accomplishments. To get started, check out HiPeople's 50+ role-specific reference check templates. Whether you're a seasoned hiring manager or new to the game, our insights will give you the confidence and tools to conduct thorough reference checks and make informed hiring decisions.

Why Recruiters Should Ditch the Resume

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing job market, recruiters need to adopt new and more effective ways of evaluating candidates. Resumes are an outdated tool that fails to capture a candidate's true potential and can be biased against certain groups.

Alternative methods, such as skills assessments, video interviews, social media and online professional networks, and reference checks, can provide a more accurate picture of a candidate's skills and potential. Consider leveraging advanced tools like HiPeople's AI-powered Assessments and Reference Checks. These tools can help you optimize your recruitment process, save significant time, and double your quality of hire.

By using these alternative methods, recruiters can evaluate candidates more effectively, reduce biases, and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Immediately spot the candidates that fit your job the best, and quickly move them forward. Stop screening endless resumes and candidates. Stop sending unqualified candidates to your hiring managers. It's time for recruiters to ditch the traditional resume and embrace new, innovative ways of evaluating candidates that will ultimately benefit both the organization and the candidate.