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Is Lying on Resumes Common?

Resume Fraud, also known as resume embellishment, resume misrepresentation, or application fraud, is more common that you think. According to a recent survey performed by The Ladders, almost 30% of people have lied on their resume. That is 5 out of 15 applicants misrepresenting themselves on their resume!

Why Do Applicants Lie on Their Resume?

The job market is as competitive as ever which is why, as an applicant, it is important to standout to organizations with sought-after positions. Here are a few reasons why applicants lie:

• Lack of experience
• Lack of long-term employment
• Lack of the education necessary for the position
• To secure the position
• Increase salary potential
• Motivated by jealousy
• Unemployed for an extended time

Why Does This Matter?

Hiring someone who has embellished or misrepresented themselves on their resume is risky. The applicant may be more likely to lie in the future or steal from your organization. They may have less qualifications than required to perform the job. Resume embellishment effects onboarding costs, turnover rates, and ultimately slows the hiring process.

How Can You Make Better Informed Decisions?

Technology, background checks, and verifications have made it easier to check credentials of prospective job applicants. However, credentials can be faked or purchased from internet-based “diploma mills”. The only way to fully know your applicant history, is to background check with an experienced organization like Choice Screening. Thorough and comprehensive background screening decreases turnover rates, significantly diminishes onboarding costs, and reveals resume embellishers.

Choice Screening’s Comprehensive Background Checks

1. Identity Checks

The Social Security Number Verification and Address History Search is a useful tool to not only verify an applicant’s identity (SSN, Name, DOB), but to retrieve address history and alias names for use in more extensive searches.

2. Resume & Professional Verifications

Our verifications are not only among the industry’s fastest, but are thorough, accurate, and budget-friendly.

Employment Verification – gain insight into past work performance.

Education Verification – confirm qualifications for employment.

Professional License & Certificate – ensures active and valid license(s).

Professional & Personal Reference – validate and expand upon employment verification.

3. Criminal Searches

7 Year Misdemeanor & Felony – records search based on applicant’s address history. The standard for a comprehensive background check

County Criminal – direct access courthouse record search. The cornerstone for a comprehensive background check

Statewide Criminal – compliments the county criminal search and can often be specified in industry required compliance.

Verified National Criminal – database search verified directly at the source prior to reporting.

Verified Enhanced National Criminal – all the power of the National Criminal but includes alias names.

US Federal Criminal – reveals crimes not filed at the county.

International Criminal – worldwide access to criminal records.

National Wants and Warrants – nationwide active warrant search.

National Sex Offender Registry – protection for vulnerable populations

4. Other Services & Products as needed or mandated

CAPS Check – required check for agencies licensed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Drug & Alcohol Testing – maintain regulatory compliance.

Titers Blood Test – maintains safety standards in medical institutions.

Medical Registries – uncover sanction, debarment, and restriction for your personnel.

MVR – protect other drivers and your company’s reputation.

Credit Reports – insight into an applicant’s fiscal responsibility. Please note: this check can only be performed under certain circumstances. A site visit must be conducted prior to running.

Bankruptcy, Liens, & Judgments – verify records not reported in credit checks.

Form I-9 Comply™ - secure online Form I-9 management with E-Verify integration.

Workers Compensation – ensure proper accommodation of current work restrictions. Please note this is a post hire search only.

Choice ReScreen – gain insight into what your employees have been up to.

Adverse Action – stay compliant with our adverse action letter service.

Online Consent Form – reduce compliance vulnerabilities with this complimentary service.

The best way to determine which combination of products is right for your industry/organization/position is to consult with one of our dedicated account executives. All Choice Screening employees are trained on FCRA compliance and the nuances of different industries so you can trust in their expertise.

You can rely on Choice Screening for not only industry-leading background checks, but for background screening education and support, compliance services built directly into our technology, customizable packages, and advanced background check technology including integrations.

With Choice Screening’s services you will decrease costs, accelerate time-to-hire, and know who you are hiring! Contact Us