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Susan M. Heathfield

Do You Know Who You're Hiring?

By , About.com Guide   November 3, 2011

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Think resume checking and candidate background checking are a poor use of your time? Think again. During times of economic challenge, checking the background and credentials of your potential employee becomes even more important.

Fraud is rampant. Job searchers are desperate. Employers are being duped. Why not find out those less than stellar facts about your favorite candidate before you've come to own him, love him, train him, and integrate him into your company, only to find out later that his credentials are fraudulent?

Do you know who you are hiring? Recent studies by various firms, indicate that most candidates mislead, exaggerate, embellish, and / or outright lie on their application materials including resumes, cover letters, and job applications.

One firm found that 64% of candidates overstate accomplishments, while 71% misrepresent the number of years they have held a position. Others found that over half of their applicants misrepresented their employment history.

So, what's an employer to do? These tips will help you avoid the consequences of hiring candidates who have misrepresented any aspect of their employment or academic history. Recent high profile cases say that it can happen to you. With comprehensive candidate background checking, you can increase your chances of knowing exactly who you are hiring.

Image Copyright Steve Cole / Getty Images

More About Candidate Background Checking

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