You’ve probably hired people who lied on their resumes if you’re a business owner, manager, or work in the human resources department of a company. According to recent research, 75% of all resumes contain some form of falsification, with a whopping 89 percent being misleading.
Despite the fact that the numbers alone support background checks and resume verification, employers often skip pre-employment applicant screening. When this happens, the employers’ lack of foresight will backfire. Companies have been found liable in some cases for negligent hiring and retention. Employers have also faced public relations nightmares in the past. Not long ago, it was revealed that an admissions officer at a prestigious university had reportedly lied about her educational background and had not earned the degrees she claimed. Workplace violence has claimed the lives of innocent people in the most tragic cases.
Pre-employment screening and background checks demonstrate due diligence, which will help you avoid lawsuits alleging negligent hiring. Employers can also save time and money by weeding out unqualified candidates, which would otherwise be wasted on interviewing, hiring, and training the wrong people. Wrongful termination lawsuits can be avoided by verifying resumes and verifying education.
Employment screening companies provide a variety of services. The type of screening that is most beneficial to you is often determined by the industry in which you work. A state criminal report, a social security number report, school verification, job verification, a professional license check, a medical abuse check, and a sex offender check are all common background checks in the healthcare sector.
A national crime report, a social security number report, a motor vehicle report, and a license verification are often used by businesses that hire delivery drivers or long-haul truckers.
How do you choose the right background check firm if you’ve made the prudent decision to conduct pre-employment screening? To begin, look for a well-established business with a track record of quality and accuracy. Next, check to see if they can ensure your privacy. Third, make sure they employ licensed investigators and give you the option of speaking with a live researcher. Finally, choose a firm that conducts both domestic and international searches, as well as hands-on court research.
You can’t afford to ignore background checks and pre-employment screening of your employees and applicants in today’s litigious society, especially given the prevalence of lying on resumes and employment applications. It’s a small price to pay for the security of knowing that the people you recruit are who they say they are.