The Pros and Cons of Searching Resume Databases Online
Are you a business owner or hiring manager tasked with hiring a new employee for a current job opening? If so, you may want to consider ditching the traditional method of posting jobs online. Many more business owners are now conducting their own search by using online resume databases. As with any other method of finding job applicants, searching online resume databases has its pros and cons.
The Advantages of Searching Resume Databases Online
Easy to search: Online resume databases come in several different formats. Some programs and websites only allow you to view documents uploaded through that site, and others will search the Internet for you. Regardless, these systems are easy to use. Search with a keyword phrase, such as a job title, enter a zip code or radius to search, and you’ll see resumes from job seekers who meet your search criteria. You should be able to click through to see the full resume posted online in its entirety. This is a simple, quick and easy process.
Fewer unqualified job applicants: When you post a job listing online, you’re opening the flood gates; anyone and everyone can apply for the job. In fact, a good percentage of those who apply will not be qualified for the job (they don’t meet the requirements or recommendations you posted). When this happens, you waste time having to remove these applicants. With an online resume database search, you search with a relevant keyword phrase and are automatically matched with qualified talent.
The Cons of Searching Resume Databases Online
Not everyone posts resumes online: As the number of business owners using online resume databases increases, so do the number of job seekers uploading their resumes online. That said, not all job seekers know how to take this important step. For that reason, there’s a chance you’ll miss out on some quality resumes when you search online, instead allowing job seekers to submit their resume in response to an online job listing.
Resumes may not be up to date: On rare occasions, a resume website or database will tell you when a resume has been added. Most of the time, you only see the resume when it appears in your search. This means there’s a good chance you’re looking at older and possibly outdated resumes. You can even find some resumes where job seekers found a new job and have no intention of leaving; they simply left their resumes online. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a backup plan. Choose a selection of job applicants to contact for an interview, not just one or two.
In short, there are many pros and cons to using an online resume database to find qualified job candidates. As a reminder, most websites are free to use and most desktop search tools that allow you to search the entire Internet for resumes come with a free trial. Basically, you have nothing to lose by trying this method of hiring for a job.