How to Verify an Employee’s Past Experience: Ensuring Authenticity in Hiring

Verifying an employee's past experience can be a challenging task for any prospective employer. In an era where fake resumes are becoming increasingly common, especially from family-managed companies, it's essential to take steps to ensure the authenticity of an applicant's claims. Let's explore some effective methods and considerations to avoid the pitfalls of hiring candidates who may have provided fraudulent information.

The Prevalence of Fake Resumes

It's a disheartening reality that many individuals resort to exaggerating or fabricating their professional experience on their resumes. This often includes creating false positions, leading to the hiring of individuals who are not as qualified or experienced as they claim. Particularly concerning is the situation where family-owned companies inadvertently employ individuals with fabricated resumes. Such cases can often pass through senior-level positions without immediate discovery.

Cost-Effectiveness and Employer Responsibilities

Prospective employers must find a balance between thoroughness and cost-effectiveness. Verifying an employee's past experience is crucial but can be resource-intensive. When an employee is working effectively, the likelihood of expose falls significantly. However, if there is a suspicion or concern about the authenticity of their claims, there is a need for additional verification.

Researching Prior Companies

A basic step in verifying past experience is to conduct an online investigation into the prior company mentioned on the resume. By researching the company’s owners and verifying their claims about the applicant's role, you can often uncover inconsistencies. However, this approach is more suitable for higher-level positions where the stakes are higher and the time and effort required are justified.

Utilizing Background Check Services

For positions that require a higher level of scrutiny, such as senior-level roles, consider engaging professional background check services. These services range from initial online searches to more extensive investigations, including interviews with previous colleagues and managers. Employing experienced private investigators and agencies can be extremely valuable in uncovering the truth behind an applicant's claims.

Conclusion

To ensure that you hire the most qualified and honest candidates, it's crucial to implement a robust verification process. While online research can sometimes suffice for lower-level positions, for more critical roles, exploring the options of professional background checks can provide peace of mind. By taking the time to verify past experience, you can protect both your organization and its reputation from potential risks associated with resume fraud.