In today’s job market, it is not uncommon for candidates to use deceptive tactics to mislead employers during the hiring process.

Candidates have been found to bend the truth to get hired; many have falsified their work or education history on their resumes. They might claim to have held various executive positions at well-known companies, but an employment background check reveals they never actually worked at any of these organizations. This deception is not uncommon, highlighting the importance of conducting thorough background checks to verify a candidate’s employment history.

The rise of the “virtual worker” has made it even more essential for employers to conduct thorough background checks. Virtual workers may never physically meet their colleagues, but they often have access to sensitive data and resources. Employers need to ensure that they are hiring trustworthy individuals to handle this access.

What Can Companies Do to Ensure the Hiring of Honest and Reliable Candidates?

There are several steps that employers can take to ensure that they are hiring honest and reliable candidates and to avoid being deceived by false application information. Here are some tips for conducting due diligence during the hiring process:

1. Verify employment history: Ask for references and follow up with past employers to verify a candidate’s employment history. Ask specific questions about the candidate’s job duties and performance.
2. Check education credentials: Verify that candidates have the education they claim to have by contacting the educational institution directly.
3. Conduct criminal background checks: A criminal background check can reveal past criminal convictions that a candidate may have omitted from their application.
4. Use a reliable background screening company: Choose a reputable company if you outsource the background screening process.
5. Check social media profiles: A candidate’s social media profiles can provide insight into their personal life and character. Be sure to review their profiles to ensure that their online presence aligns with the values and culture of your organization.
6. Use structured interviews: Using structured interviews with set questions can help ensure that all candidates are asked the same questions and make it easier to compare their responses.
7. Follow up on discrepancies: If you encounter discrepancies in a candidate’s application or during the interview process, follow up and ask for clarification.

Following these steps and using due diligence during hiring can increase the chances of hiring honest and reliable candidates and avoid being deceived by false application information.

Should You Conduct In-House Background Checks?

Conducting in-house background checks may seem like a good and cost-efficient idea, but it’s essential to consider the resources and expertise of your HR team. In-house checking may not be equipped to handle new tactics used by candidates to deceive them, making it difficult to obtain accurate results. In these cases, outsourcing the background screening process to a trusted provider can provide more reliable and timely results.

How To Choose a Reliable Background Screening Company

When it comes to background screening companies, not all are created equal. Some companies may rely on quick, cheap database searches to generate background check reports. While these inquiries may seem convenient and cost-effective, they often result in false positives, false negatives, and generally inaccurate and outdated records. Employers should be cautious of using “web-based” background screening companies that rely on these searches.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, employment background checks are a critical component of hiring. While conducting in-house background checks may seem like a good idea, outsourcing to a trusted provider can provide more accurate and timely results. Employers should also be wary of using “web-based” background screening companies that rely on quick, cheap database searches.

At First Contact HR, we are dedicated to providing our clients with thorough and accurate employment background checks to ensure they are hiring the best candidates for their organization. At First Contact HR, we understand the importance of comprehensive and precise employment background checks. We use various methods to ensure our reports’ reliability, including extensive criminal record searches and education and employment history verification. Contact us today.