Rsum and

Application Review
How to identify Red Flags
during the screening process.
 What is a Red Flag?
A sign of warning or problem.
Indicates trouble or danger ahead.
Provokes an irritated response.
 Method of Submission
What is the source of the rsum or application?
Personal email account
Current employers email account

Facsimile (Fax)
Inquire about computer skills
Application completed off-site?
Must complete and submit an employment
application in addition to their rsum
 Initial Review Process
For weeding out unqualified candidates
Job Description
Allows you to focus on minimum qualifications and experience
Choose 3-5 key words from the job description
Questions to ask yourself during the review
Does the candidate have:
History of advancement & more responsibility in each subsequent position?
Industry experience?
Experience working at a company of similar size?
If this person applied directly for the position, would it be a significant
drop in responsibility / salary?
Is the person overqualified? If so, are they willing to accept a much lower
salary?
 Employment Gaps
Unexplained / Multiple Gaps in Employment
By choice
By circumstances beyond their control

Date Ranges
Year
Month / Year

Month / Date / Year

 Lack of Longevity
Review duration of each position held.
Less than a year
Temporary job?

Reason for leaving

Career Plateau or Gone Backwards
Decreasing job responsibilities
Types of employers
Job titles
Were shifts in career path on purpose or a
choice?
 Education
Omitted?
May not meet the minimum qualifications in regards
to education.
Didnt finish degree?
May have trouble finishing what they start
Ask what stood in their way of completing
 Attention to Detail / Mistakes
Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Sentence
Construction, Tense Inconsistencies, and Typos
Reflect carelessness
Indicator of the quality of work you can expect
May not proofread work on-the-job

Too much / too little information

Get to the point!
No blanks on applications
Rsums shouldnt read like a book
 Reasons for Leaving
Response Question(s) to Ask
Work Ran Out Was this a temporary job?
Did the job start as a temp job?
Laid Off What reason were you given for the layoff?
How much notice were you given prior to your last day?
Moved Where did you move from / to?
Did you resign from this position with adequate notice?
If so, how much notice did you give?
Fired What was the reason for being fired?
Did you agree / disagree with the reason given?
Terminated Why were you terminated?
Did you agree / disagree with the reason you were given?
Quit What lead to your decision to quit the job?
When you quit, did you have another job to move into?
Retired Why are you re-entering the workforce after retirement?
Medical Reasons Can you perform the essential functions of the job you are being
considered for?
 Multiple Moves to Different States
Ask what prompted moves
Relocation due to employment
Running from the law
 Inappropriate Information
(Information that May Not be Considered)
Picture (headshot)
Race / color
Sex / gender
National origin
Age (date of birth)
Political affiliations
Religious affiliations / beliefs
Family status (married, etc.)
Health history / conditions
Sexual orientation
 Screening Idea
Grid of Minimum Qualifications

Applicant Name Licensures Highest Level of Years of Related Computer # of Jobs Held in
Education Experience Experience Past 5 Years

John Doe RN, BSN BS in Nursing 5 Full-Time Microsoft Word & 2

3 Part-Time Excel

Sally Sue NONE High School 1 Full Time Microsoft Outlook 1

Mary Ellen PENDING High School NONE Microsoft Word 0

BSN Pending
 Tips and Other Considerations
Formatting issues
Conduct telephone interview as part of pre-
screening process.
Trust your instincts!