Why Resumes Fall Short: Finding A Better Way to Measure Skills and Experience

In today's job market, resumes are a ubiquitous tool used by both employers and job seekers alike. However, despite their widespread use, resumes are not always an accurate or reliable measurement of a candidate's skills or experiences. In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why resumes fall short as a measurement of skills and experiences and offer RainCards as an alternative for a more data-driven hiring process.

Resumes are limited in communication. They provide only snapshots of a candidate’s work history and educational background. This makes deciphering the level of experience in certain skills over multiple positions and time periods difficult. For instance, a candidate who has held multiple jobs in different industries may struggle to highlight how the specific skill for the desired position was used in each job. RainCards quantify the amount of experience that each candidate has in the skills specified by the potential employer. They also evaluate and score skills which are even more difficult to find in a resume format such as organization, teamwork, and communication making direct comparison between candidates straightforward.

Resumes can be inherently biased, reflecting the prejudices and assumptions of both employers and job seekers. For example, employers may be more likely to give preferential treatment to candidates from certain educational institutions or with certain job titles, even if those credentials do not necessarily indicate superior skills or experiences. Conversely, job seekers may exaggerate or embellish their experiences to make themselves appear more qualified, which can lead to discrepancies between their resume and their actual abilities. RainCards bring more accuracy into hiring by including numbers and verified scoring for applicants so that their skills and abilities are quantified rather than just described. 

Lastly, resumes do not always accurately reflect a candidate's soft skills or personal qualities, which are often critical for success in the workplace. While resumes may provide some insight into a candidate's communication or organizational abilities, they cannot fully capture qualities such as leadership, creativity, or adaptability. These qualities are often better assessed through other means, such as interviews, work samples, or references. RainCards take care of these soft skills as well by including a report based on a behavioral assessment. An overall hiring index score will take both the behavioral traits and other skills into account to measure how well the candidate fits your specifications. 

While resumes have long been a standard tool in the hiring process, they are not always a reliable or accurate measurement of a candidate's skills or experiences. Employers and job seekers should consider an alternative method for assessing candidates' abilities and qualities with the more comprehensive evaluation methods offered by the RainCard. By doing so, they can make more informed hiring decisions, improve their chances of finding the right fit, and create more equitable and inclusive hiring practices.