Pulse May 2017 | Page 52

Inconsistencies If you’ve asked for a resume, cover letter and references (which you should require for all job applicants), take the time to make sure they all match. Stories on cover letters should match time frames on resumes and a professional reference should be able to back up any qualities a candidate touts. “I’ve seen comments on cover letters that they have worked a particular job, but their timeline on their resume doesn’t reflect the same thing,” recalls Cindi Flanagan, owner of Abundant Health Day Spa in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Those inconsistencies can be a red flag for, at best, lack of attention to detail and, at worst, a propensity for dishonesty. “Gaps in work history can be telling in a few ways. Is there something left off due to a termination? Is there another position that the applicant does not want you to know about? It brings up curiosity and doubt,” Smith says. If you do decide to have a candidate with gaps in their work history move through to the interview phase, be sure to ask them about it. Their answer could be very telling. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 52) Job Gaps Sometimes, gaps in work history are easily explained. “I took time off to raise children or take care of a sick parent” or “I decided to take a few months to travel or further my education,” are all reasonable explanations for gaps in work history. The recent economic downturns can even explain sufficiently why someone couldn’t find work, but make sure all these are easily explained in either a cover letter or the initial interview stage. Combining architecturally-inspired design with precision engineering 707. 766.6000 | digiloc k .c om