Many human resource professionals will tell you that one of the largest obstacles to finding the right candidate for a position is identifying resumes that have embellishments or outright lies. When there is a weak job market the prevalence of these resumes increases. All of this puts pressure on companies to thoroughly vet an applicant to ensure the best possible hire.
The most common pieces of information that are falsified include:
- Employment history
- Job skills
- Education records
- Salary details
When checking employment history and job skills, it’s important to ask direct questions about the companies where the applicant worked and the skills they developed. By asking more specific questions, you’ll reduce the likelihood of missing information and lies. There really is no reason for vague or ambiguous answers from a candidate.
To eliminate the falsification of educational histories, it is necessary to contact the college or university on the resume to verify a degree was granted. If the school is unfamiliar, check the website of the school and verify its accreditation.
Finally, any comprehensive background check should utilize a background screening service. Background check services can quickly and efficiently search the proper sources to ensure that the applicant you’re considering meets your standards and qualifications. By implementing a formal screening process, you can significantly reduce bad hires and protect your organization from risk.
Here is a link to an interview on the subject:
How to spot a fake resume and avoid making a faulty hire