5 Ways to Keep Your Business Safe From Resume Fraud

It’s natural for people want to be seen in the best possible light. This is especially true when it comes to creating a resume. In today’s competitive market, people are doing all they can to gain an edge. Unfortunately, for some candidates, this means going beyond embellishment or exaggeration to lying on their resume.

Resume fraud is more common than most employers realize. An estimated 30% of all resumes have at least one misrepresentation on them, according to the Society for Human Resources Management HR Magazine. Hiring these individuals can open up a business to worker incompetence, lawsuits and a less safe workplace.

Here are five ways to keep a business safe from resume fraud and the challenges it can create:

1. Education Verification

Schools attended and degrees received should not just be accepted on faith; steps should be taken to verify that the applicant went there, graduated and received the degree described during the year(s) listed. The educational institution’s own accreditation should be verified as well.

2. Employment Verification

Calling the phone number listed for an employer is important, but the business’ existence and legitimacy should also be verified online.

3. Check Professional References

While the persons listed as references will likely be biased in favor of the applicant, they may also yield valuable insights about the tone and veracity of the items listed on the resume. Employers should ask relevant persons to help them verify what’s on the applicant’s resume and possibly identify resume fraud.

4. Watch Out for Fraudulent Supporting Documents

The providing of documents like diplomas, certificates, pay stubs or other “proof” of a qualification should be received with discernment as well. Bear in mind that technology like scanners, photo editing software and high quality printers make it easy to create legitimate-appearing documents. Employers should make the appropriate phone calls to verify the authenticity of any included document.

5. Use a Professional Employment Screening Service

A professional employment screening service can be extremely helpful in verifying an applicant’s qualifications and background. It can serve to determine if a person has a criminal background, a history of fraud, dishonesty or other troublesome findings. For certain jobs it can also alert employers of any potential financial or credit problems.

Resume fraud occurs more often than employers realize, but no business has to be a victim. These five tips can help keep your business safe from resume fraud and assist any company in creating a safer and more skilled work force.

Disclaimer Statement: All information presented is for information purposes only and is not intended to provide professional or legal advice regarding actions to take in any situation.