Google ‘Em

Sometimes the simplest way to weed through job seekers isn’t with reading a long-winded resume and cover letter, but by just going to Google. Job seekers have carefully crafted a vision for themselves that they want you to see. Google is the key to unlock the door behind that potential candidate and see a less carefully crafted version. Looking to Google is a successful tool in the hiring process.

First, Google may act as a truth serum. You may be able to cross-reference a candidate with their listed activities and previous jobs. It’s not a perfect algorithm, but Google can help you identify if job seekers are telling the truth in their resumes and cover letters. Beware though, if you can’t find a job seeker at a formerly listed position it may not be because he/she wasn’t there. The internet isn’t perfect after all.

Setting up a Google alert on job seekers may also help alert you to any changes on status. This may be something newsworthy, or a change in employment status. If a candidate chooses another position it may help you avoid wasted time calling him or her or reading his/her resume and cover letter.

Not everything you find on Google may be bad. It may be you find something a job seeker missed, or couldn’t find space for in his/her resume, that shows he/she might be the perfect personality fit for your workplace environment. These could include extracurriculars, accolades, etc… which could identify a good (or possibly bad) fit.

Google can be your best friend for vetting job seekers. It helps you do a little extra dirty work to ensure you make the right hire for your company. Utilizing Google for your candidate vetting process will help identify the best job seekers without wasting time.

Do you already use Google in your candidate searches? Or do you have another candidate vetting tip for our readers? We’d love for you to share them below.

IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by Yodel Anecdotal