While the vast majority of job seekers know that it is a bad practice to lie on a resume, sometimes the temptation is just too strong. Before you hire someone to fill a position, it is absolutely necessary to take the time to do a little due diligence. This step can save you headaches and potential legal consequences down the road.
Getting Information from Past Employers & References
One of the best ways to decipher the truth on a resume is to simply take the time to contact past employers and to call the references that are listed on the candidate’s resume. While there aren’t many questions you can ask former employers, you can confirm their former job title and confirm the details that you’ve been given.
When you’re questioning their references, avoid yes or no questions and give the person time to answer the question completely. Sometimes, all you need is a little silence on your part and the reference will start talking and giving you the information you really need to know.
However, if a lying candidate has put their references on their resume, chances are they have done their own homework to make sure the reference will back up their story. Since simply contacting them isn’t enough to guarantee you’re being told the truth, you’ll need to dig a little more.
Ask the Right Questions During the Interview
Once you’ve done the preliminary vetting on a candidate, it’s time to get them in and see how well they do during the interview portion of the process. If someone is lying, unless they happen to be a pathological liar, you should be able to tell. Pay attention to signs of stress that go beyond the typical interview nerves. If your candidate is sweating profusely, refuses to look you in the eye, or gives vague answers, chances are they are lying to you.
It is also a good practice to follow up on the statements that your candidate makes during an interview, just to make sure that they are really telling you the truth.
Typically, you won’t have to worry about out-right lying on a resume, but it doesn’t hurt to do your homework, to make sure that you really are getting the perfect candidate for the job. Remember, if someone seems to good to be true, chances are they just might be. By taking the time to fact check, you’ll be assured that your candidate is everything they’ve claimed to be.
Do you have a question about how to determine whether or not a candidate is telling the truth on their resume? Let the experts at Solopoint help today!