Do applicants really lie on their resumes and job applications? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Fabrications, large and small, on job applications, resumes, and in interviews are quite common. The motivation to lie is pretty high. Most discrepancies are never caught, and successfully padding an application often provides better employment opportunities. For many applicants, the reward seems well worth the risk. You can also click here to know more about resumes.

What do applicants lie about? Here are the most common ways candidates fudge their info:

  • Work experience
  • Skills
  • Previous job titles
  • Education
  • Certifications and licenses
  • Salary history
  • Language fluency
  • Criminal record
  • Substance use

Reviewing that list leads to another important truth: the risk of hiring an employee who’s lied about any one of these things is simply too high for employers to ignore. Onboarding a new employee who is not qualified for the position or who poses a threat to the safety or assets of your organization can be incredibly costly. You risk the following:

  • Incurring additional hiring expenses when the individual must be replaced because they can’t perform their duties. 
  • Losing assets because of theft or fraud. 
  • Safety and liability issues due to workplace violence. 
  • Injuries, absenteeism, and low productivity due to drug or alcohol use on or off the job. 

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

Protect Yourself from Dishonest Applicants

Pre-employment background screenings are the best way for your organization to protect itself from the risks posed by dishonest applicants. A reliable, objective, third party background check can do the following:

  • Verify employment history, including dates, salaries, and titles. 
  • Verify education, credentials, and licenses. 
  • Obtain personal reference checks to gain insight into the individual’s ability to be effective in the workplace. 
  • Conduct a thorough criminal record check to determine if there is any relevant activity that might pose a threat to the organization or make the individual unqualified for the position. Many background check companies also offer global background screening services for individuals who have lived outside the United States. 
  • Handle all drug testing services so that testing is convenient for you and the individual. 
  • Ensure compliance with all background screening laws and regulations. The rules governing collecting, using, storing, and disposal of personal and private information are extensive. Professional background screeners stay on top of compliance to protect you and the applicants. 

The Bottom Line

Applicants lie. You need to perform due diligence to protect your organization and make smart, safe hiring decisions. Professional background checks ultimately save you time and money and prevent a lot of headaches. Reach out to a background screening vendor today to get started.