Does Resume Presentation Medium and Reference Group Affect Perceptions about a Job Applicant?
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Authors
Elgin, Peter D.
Issue Date
1999-07
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Applications for positions , Resumes (Employment) , Business presentations -- Graphic methods
Alternative Title
Abstract
Businesses and corporations receive many resumes that are used in the
initial stages of the selection process. However, the two basic resume
forms (paper and electronic) may not be perceived similarly. The purpose
of this study was to investigate the perceptions associated with
applicants who submit either a paper resume or an electronic resume.
This study also investigated the effect that a reference group had upon the
resume reader's perceptions about the job applicant. One-hundred
undergraduates viewed either a paper resume or an electronic resume of a
journalist applying for a vacant position at a newspaper. Respondents
were then given a job description that either required internet research
experience (technical reference group) or not (non-technical reference
group). Then the respondents rated the applicant on seven attributes
(intelligence, technical skills, interpersonal skills, leadership ability,
motivation, resourcefulness, and overall qualifications). A MANOVA, with
resume medium and reference group as independent variables and the
seven attributes as the dependent variables, was conducted. The results
showed a significant effect of resume medium, E(1,96)= 9.77, g=.000.
Univariate ANOVAs revealed the paper resume applicant was perceived as
more friendly while the electronic resume applicant was viewed as more
intelligent, technologically advanced, and possessing better overall
qualifications. The results also indicated a significant effect of
reference group, E(l,96)=4 .03, g=.001. The applicant in the non-technical
reference group was perceived as more intelligent, technologically
advanced, and possessing better overall qualifications than the applicant
in the technical reference group. Implications of resume medium and
reference group as well as limitations of the study are discussed.
Description
iii, 54 leaves. Advisor: Maria M. Clapham.
Citation
Publisher
Drake University