Express Employment Professionals: New Survey Results Show How to Score an Interview

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 7, 2016) - Express Employment Professionals released new results today from a survey of businesses revealing how applicants secure job interviews, why some applicants do not get interviews and some of the cleverest ways applicants have submitted resumes.

Respondents were asked, "What are the best ways for an applicant to get a job interview with your company."

The simple act of applying and submitting a resume was the top answer, offered by 23 per cent of respondents. Another 12 per cent said applicants should be referred. Ten per cent said "apply online," while 8 per cent said call.

Respondents were also asked, "What are the main reasons an applicant does not get a job interview with your company?"

"Lack of experience" topped the list at 16 per cent, followed closely by "lack of skills/qualifications" at 15 per cent.

When asked to describe a clever way someone had submitted a resume, respondents recounted receiving:

• A binder with a portfolio of projects
• A PowerPoint presentation with audio and video
• A YouTube video
• A resume folded into a paper airplane
• A gift package containing the resume

Other respondents mentioned an applicant walking in as a customer before revealing interest in a job. Another received a call recommending someone for the job -- only to find out the caller was recommending herself.

"Sometimes it can seem like there's no rhyme or reason for why an applicant does not get an interview, but there are a few things you can do to improve your chances. And clearly, the most important thing to do is to submit a formal application in the first place," said Bob Funk, CEO of Express.

"As our survey also shows, cleverness can pay off. Be careful though as not every hiring manager wants a resume in a gift box. But in a crowded field, creativity can make the difference."

The survey of 390 businesses, which are current and former clients of Express Employment Professionals, covers hiring trends for the second quarter of 2016.

If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bob Funk to discuss this topic, please contact Kellie Major at (613) 222-7488.

About Robert A. Funk

Robert A. "Bob" Funk is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the international staffing company has franchises in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Under his leadership, Express has put more than 6 million people to work worldwide. Funk served as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and was also the Chairman of the Conference of Chairmen of the Federal Reserve.

About Express Employment Professionals and Express in Canada

Express Employment Professionals puts people to work. It generated $3.02 billion in sales and employed a record 500,002 people in 2015. Its long-term goal is to put a million people to work annually. Express launched in Canada in July 1996, with a franchise in London, Ontario, and since then, has expanded and grown across Canada significantly. There are currently 37 Express franchises in Canada -- six in British Columbia, five in Alberta, two in Saskatchewan, 23 in Ontario and one in Nova Scotia.