Utilize the internet! Let applicants review their résumés online

If you accept applications online and have potential employees provide their résumés electronically, let applicants review their submissions. You'll avoid unnecessary lawsuits.

Recent case: When Domingo Tamez applied for several promotions, he submitted his résumé online. After he was turned down, he discovered the résumé HR had on file didn't list all his experience. He believed he had provided a complete version.

Tamez sued, alleging he had been discriminated against because he is Hispanic. He argued that someone must have cut his résumé to the core to prevent him from earning promotions.

The court said he had no evidence to prove that allegation and dismissed the case—but only after the employer had spent time and money defending the lawsuit. If the employer had allowed Tamez a chance to review his résumé, he could have corrected the problem. (Tamez v. Chertoff, No. M-07-237, SD TX, 2009)