Reviewing hundreds of resumes is one of the most challenging task hiring managers have to do because apart from screening candidates they have to be diligent in detecting any false information provided in the resume. Numerous studies and surveys have been conducted on this part which consistently reveal that at least 50% of job seekers embellish or falsify their resumes, it can be quite a challenge for recruiters to reveal the truth about the shortlisted applicants.
Faking resumes is not a new or uncommon phenomenon as 80% of 5,000 CVs analysed by the Risk Advisory Group in 2017 had at least one discrepancy. With the wide usage of internet, faking qualifications have been made easier for the candidates than ever. But, with only 20% of employers carrying out proper checks through systems like Higher Education Degree Datacheck (HEDD), why is the problem still growing? And what are the possible ways through which an HR professionals can solve the threats that fraudulent claims can pose to their business?
In the opinion of Charlie Ryan, managing director of The Recruitment Queen the problem of fake qualifications have increased as most of the employers believe paper degrees speak better than inherent talents. Quoting Ryan
Who Lies on Their Resume?
It might be shocking to read but it is true that even successful business executives have lied on their resume. When such instances are found out it turns out to be an embarrassment, but sometimes consequences are so severe that people are likely to be fired or not gain employment through-out their life. People who lie on their resume can be anyone from a fresh graduate pass out to older job applicants who have been laid off from previous organizations. Here is some information on those who typically lie on a resume:
Red Flags for Hiring
While it has become quite common to embellish a skill set to suitably match the job description, there have been instances when resumes reveal false information which could have a severe impact within the company if the hiring was done. Verifying prospective employees does have its limitations like the inability to gather the ex-employer’s opinion on the candidate’s performance. Following are some Red flags hiring managers must not miss even after reviewing an applicant resume:
- Read the applicant’s body language after revealing that the information they provided will be verified.
- Conduct background checks to find the real truth behind every prospective candidate.
- During the interview, if the applicant seems uncomfortable when answering questions about the resume.
- Do include technical or job-related dry runs to in order to clarify if the candidate have the required skills.
- Perform a thorough social media research. Remember that there is always a possibility that you might mistakenly review a social media profile that does not belong to the applicant you have shortlisted.
What Applicants Typically Lie About In Resume?
If a deeper search is made it will reveal that applicants generally fake their skills or work history in their resumes in the following grounds.
The above mentioned things are the primary elements of a resume that hiring managers consider to determine whether an applicant has the necessary skills and expertise to handle the job responsibility for which they have been appointed. In many cases, this information is also used to differentiate two or more equally qualified applicants. So, these aren’t just little fibs that won’t have an impact on the company: these “embellishments” could easily snowball into bigger, systemic problems down the road.
Falsification of resume generally covers the following
- Criminal convictions
- Previous firing
- Jail time
- Registered sex offender status
The consequences of hiding this kind of deceit can be even more dangerous.
How Are Companies Impacted by False Resumes?
When an individual is submitting falsified information on their resume they are liable for legal repercussions too, but in every case it is the employer who is at the maximum risk. These false information can lead a company not only to waste a large amount of time and money but also reject a deserving candidate while training the one who is not qualified for the position. Moreover, hiring such applicants can also pose a threat to the current employees and customers, or create ethical challenges that could have been avoided.
Finally, the company’s brand and reputation are at stake if an employee does some sort of harm, not to mention the reputation of the HR department or hiring manager who believed the lie and brought that person on in the first place.
Avoiding the Risks of Falsifying In Resumes
The best thing that can be done by any organization to avoid falling victim to resume frauds is to diligently establish and maintain a rigorous background check procedure. Unfo rtunately, there’s no way to avoid receiving falsified resumes. In an era of competitive job market, where people are not reluctant to change, the situation will be same as ever.
Background Checks Can Be a Recruiter’s Tool of Truth
A comprehensive background check is the perfect weapon for fighting the growing menace of resume lies. A comprehensive background check on the prospective candidates will reveal:
- Truth of their identity
- Their past Criminal history if any
- Authenticity of Education Credentials
- Employment Dates
It is true that employers look for resumes that have all the qualities that the job wants. However, they also some evidence that the skill sets and other factual information the applicant has furnished is true. Lying on a resume may mean the applicant actually isn’t qualified for the job and that could lead to termination and starting the hiring process all over again.
Resources:
https://www.ciphr.com/features/cv-fraud-candidates-lying/
https://www.ere.net/whats-wrong-with-using-resumes-for-hiring-pretty-much-everything/
https://www.hrbartender.com/2016/recruiting/background-checks-better-hire/
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/05/job-applications-resume-cv-name-descrimination/
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/when-you-lie-on-your-resume
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/do-you-know-who-you-re-hiring-1919148
cFIRST Think Tank is the team that researches and produces content for cFirst. This team comprises of seasoned content and digital design professionals and background screening industry veterans. Together we produce insightful blogs, infographics and reports meant for HR and background screening professionals.
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