HR professionals are using resume parsing techniques during their hiring processes more and more frequently. One of the main reasons for this is that they are often swamped with resumes the moment they post a job and resume parsing saves talent hunters precious time. There is a range of benefits to using resume parsing techniques and tools, and a few issues that you might need to avoid. This article covers what resume parsing is, the drawbacks of resume parsing techniques, and how you can benefit from resume parsing tools.
What is resume parsing?
Resume parsing, which is also referred to as resume extraction, is the process of converting a resume with an unstructured form into a resume that has structured format. It can also be thought of as the way technology extracts data from resumes. The process is used to facilitate the automated, electronic storage of resumes and ensure they can be analyzed more simply. Resume parsing techniques are used particularly in situations where HR personnel receive a huge volume of applicants for one role, saving them time and reducing their workload.
Resume parsing within the ATS (applicant tracking software)
If you use an applicant tracking software (ATS), you might already be aware that some resume parsing tools are integrated into these platforms. There is a range of resume parsing techniques and tools that are built into applicant tracking software – these include the resume parsing Github tool, and the software that facilitates resume parsing with Python.
How does resume parsing work?
The resume parsing Github tool, for instance, works by extracting information from resumes using deep learning, and there are a few steps involved in using the software. First, the application files and resumes need to be uploaded to the software, which can be done either manually or automatically via the ATS. After this, the resume parsing Github software will initiate the process of scanning the resumes.
The software will provide you with the required data contained in each resume, to make candidate selection easier. Resume parsing techniques make it simpler to filter the candidates whose resumes don’t contain the information or data you are looking for.
Benefits of using resume parsing
There are several benefits of using resume parsing to extract information from your candidates’ resumes. Take a look at some the main advantages.
Stay organized
Sifting through resumes the manual way can sometimes be a disorganized process. Using an automated resume parsing technique with handy, advanced software makes it easy for HR personnel to stay organized.
Reduce time-to-hire
One statistic to keep in mind is that screening resumes manually can take up to 23 hours for just one hire. As we have mentioned, this is exactly where resume parsing can significantly save HR personnel time. Resume parsing techniques, and using the resume parsing Github software, for instance, can also reduce this figure, as resume extraction happens automatically with such tools.
Filter unqualified candidates and make better hires
This is the best benefit of resume parsing techniques. If you use textkernel resume parsing, for example, you will be able to filter, search and rank candidates simply and instantly. This makes it easy to filter out unqualified candidates and make hires that better suit your organization.
Filter with accuracy and reduce human error
There are a couple of problems with manual resume screening. We have covered the first one already in this article – which is that it takes time. Given that in manual resume screening approaches HR personnel take just 7.4 seconds to screen a resume, it also can lead to human error. Resume parsing eliminates the majority of human error using machine learning to work more efficiently and replicate human accuracy.
Reduces hiring bias
Leaving resume screening up to software and using resume parsing techniques is beneficial for beating unconscious hiring biases. This is achieved because the software will sift through all resumes in an objective way, evading personal opinions or making decisions based on a ‘gut feeling’. All hiring decisions can then be based on the highlighted skills that match your job description.
Ensure large volumes of resumes are parsed in a consistent way
Using software such as the textkernel resume parsing tool enures that resumes are accurately analyzed. So, no matter how many resumes you receive, they will all be parsed consistently and consider the key words used in each resume.
Issues of resume parsing
The main issue you might encounter with resume parsing techniques is that the design of each resume can stand in the way of an accurate parse. As described by Mihai Rotaru of textkernel, ‘parsers struggle with designers’ resumes’. Resumes that feature pictures, tables, jpegs, or graphs will make the process more complicated and being aware of this potential issue is important, particularly if you are hiring for a role where candidates might submit a ‘complex’ resume. Then, you should also bear in mind that there are subtle differences in language styles and different ways of expressing key ideas linked to the role. Your candidates might describe their skills in different ways. For this reason, your software needs to be able to understand these nuances.
Resume Parsing Tools: Streamlining Recruitment for HR Professionals
Resume parsing techniques and tools are streamlining recruitment for HR professionals. Not only are they saving HR personnel time, they are helping managers make smart hiring decisions and discover candidates who are perfect for their vacancies. They are highly beneficial – and their advantages can help you significantly.
