Posted

How common is resume fraud? More than 90 percent of those responding to a recent survey said they knew someone who had included fabricated information on their resume. The survey also showed that only about one-third of the fabricators were ever discovered.

Among those who were found out, about two-thirds were eliminated from consideration. So it turns out that only about one-fifth of all those who lied on their resumes suffered any adverse consequences from it.

Now some job seekers are even using computer technology to assist them with their false claims. Online companies with names like Fake Resume and Career Excuse have proliferated, claiming that they can help job seekers rig their resumes by filling in gaps in employment history or adding experience and fake references, as well as helping them get past the HR resume screening software.

False information on resumes about job histories or skills has been estimated to cost employers about $600 billion each year. When these imposters are hired, they make more mistakes, which costs employers time and money to make corrections.

There are ways, however, that employers can discover if someone is not being completely honest on the resume. Here are a few.

1. Testing skills

If a person claims to have a certain skill set on their resume, you can have them perform a task or assignment where they have to put those skills to use.

2. Background check

You can conduct a civil record and criminal background check as well to get more information. Many companies use background check services for this task

3. Probe work history in detail

To get a sense of whether an applicant is being truthful or not about their work history, you should question them in-depth about their previous experience, probing for more information and details.

If they are inventing things, it will soon become apparent because they will not be able to answer follow-up questions adequately or they will soon begin to contradict themselves.

4. Check references

If an applicant is providing false information, checking references and former employers will almost certainly turn up discrepancies.

5. Verify degrees

To check on job candidates’ educational background, verify their degrees directly with the educational institution where they claim to have earned them.

6. Check social media

Check the person’s LinkedIn profile, for example, to look for discrepancies with the resume.

Winston Resources is here to provide your company with the talent you need to make your business the best it can be. We have the knowledge and experience to help your business. Give us a call today.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *