Job Applicants' Perceptions of Resumes versus Employment Application Forms in the Recruitment Process in a Public Organization

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine the differences in job applicants' perceptions when using resumes versus employment application forms in the recruitment process. Of six variables that were investigated for each type of job application tool— ease of use, accuracy, conveyance of information, flexibility, convenience, and preference, only ease of use produced a difference in perception in favor of resumes for the job applicants in the recruitment process. Other variables showed no difference in the way job applicants perceived the use of resumes or employment application forms. This research helps to dispel misperceptions regarding individual preferences associated with either using resumes or employment application forms in the recruitment process. It was concluded that it may still be important to require job applicants to submit both resumes and employment application forms since neither was identified as having a clear advantage over the other.