Attributes associated with the submission of electronic versus paper re´sume´s

This study investigated whether submitting re´sume´s in electronic versus paper form affects attributes associated with job applicants. One hundred participants reviewed a re´sume´, either in paper or electronic form, of a journalist applying for a vacant position at a newspaper. Participants also reviewed a job description for that position either specifying the need for Internet research experience (technical reference group) or not (non-technical reference group). The participants then rated the applicant on seven attributes (intelligence, technical skills, interpersonal skills, leadership ability, motivation, resourcefulness, and overall qualifications). Analyses revealed the paper re´sume´ applicant was perceived as more friendly while the electronic re´sume´ applicant was viewed as more intelligent, technologically advanced, and possessing better overall qualifications. In addition, the applicant in the non-technical reference group was perceived as more intelligent, more technologically advanced, and possessing better overall qualifications compared with the applicant in the technical reference group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]