Comparing Student and Recruiter Evaluations of Computer Science Resumes

Abstract

<italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Contribution:</i> This study identifies which entry-level computer science (CS) resume items are most important and compares the ratings of student and recruiter participants to investigate the accuracy of student beliefs. To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to analyze the extent to which CS students understand the resume screening process. The results of this have consequences for students in their own resume development. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Background:</i> Although prior research studies the importance of different resume items generally, little is known about resumes for CS majors, which may contain distinctive sections. Less still is known about whether students understand the resume screening process. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Research Questions:</i> Which items on entry-level CS resumes most directly influence screening decisions? What gaps exist between CS students’ and recruiters’ perceptions of resume items? Does the disparity in expertise between students and recruiters contribute to differences in resume screening? <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Methodology:</i> 197 recruiters and 73 CS undergraduates screened randomized CS resumes. Data were analyzed using ordinary least-squares regression with interactions. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Findings:</i> Students were more likely than recruiters to move resumes to the next level and spent about 7 s less than recruiters when screening resumes. Though students correctly assessed the value of most resume items, they significantly overestimated the value of prior work experience such as internships.