Many employers dread the process of employee screening, fearing it will usurp precious time that would be better devoted to other tasks. However, proper screening ensures that the people you bring on board will make valuable and lasting contributions, making it a smart use of time. The trick is to be organized in your screening efforts, so that candidates progress through the hiring process in an efficient manner.

The task of sifting through hundreds of job applications is tedious at best. No one wants to spend hours knee deep in paperwork, a job made even less appealing by the prospect of following up with all of the promising candidates. However, employee screening is an essential aspect of running an effective business operation, and it need not be a source of misery if conducted properly.

Proper Employee Screening

The trick is to organize the screening process so as to make it streamlined and efficient. Begin by doing a first pass through all of the applications, checking only for the broadest criteria. During the first stage of employee screening, applications should only be given a quick skim to ensure that they meet basic qualifications (e.g., college degree, citizenship, bilingual proficiency etc.).

Once you have whittled the applications down to a more manageable number, you can conduct a more fine-grained review. This will vary with the work involved, but it helps to set some objective criteria that will allow you to hone in on the most qualified candidates quickly and easily. When you have a small group of final candidates in hand, you can then allot your resources to checking references and conducting a more thorough background search.