Q. In screening resumes, what is the most important thing to look for?
A. Look for weaknesses, by first looking at the end of the resume. That’s where most applicants put the weakest, or least flattering, information. Signs of problems: No dates (Is this a job-hopper?)…Long list of seminars, workshops, courses…(Is this substituting for the necessary basic education?)…Phrases such as “knowledge of,” “assisted with,” “had exposure to” (Are these substitutes for real, hands-on experience?).
The most important information is sometimes not on the resume. When you contact the listed references…ask for names of other persons who know the applicant. These are the people (not listed on the resume) you should contact for more reliable assessments of the applicant.