A resume is an applicant’s best version of their history. Most applicants are honest, but some embellish job titles, stretch employment dates, or claim degrees they never earned. Verification helps you separate fact from fiction.
Common resume misrepresentations
- Inflated job titles or responsibilities
- Extended employment dates to hide gaps
- Fake or unfinished degrees
- Degrees from diploma mills
- Invented employers
- False professional certifications or licenses
Employment verification
Employment verification contacts past employers to confirm:
- Dates of employment
- Job title
- Sometimes, eligibility for rehire or reason for leaving, if the employer is willing to share
Many employers only confirm dates and titles, but that alone can reveal discrepancies.
Education verification
Education verification confirms with schools or authorized sources:
- Enrollment dates
- Degree earned
- Major or field of study
- Graduation date
It can also help identify diploma mills, which sell degrees without legitimate coursework.
Professional license verification
For positions that require licenses, such as nurses, electricians, or commercial drivers, verify that the license is valid, current, and free of disciplinary actions.
Why verification matters
Qualifications: Employees without the skills they claimed may struggle in the role.
Safety: In licensed or technical roles, lack of qualifications can create safety risks.
Integrity: An applicant willing to falsify credentials may raise other concerns.
Liability: Placing an unqualified person in a sensitive role can expose you to claims.
Tips for employers
- Ask applicants to provide complete, accurate employer and school information.
- Get proper authorization before conducting verifications.
- Treat discrepancies carefully; sometimes there are innocent explanations, like company name changes.
- Apply verification consistently for similar positions.
Elite Services verifications
Elite Services Workplace Screening provides employment and education verification along with criminal background searches nationwide, helping you hire with confidence.
Ready to protect your workplace? Elite Services Workplace Screening provides nationwide drug testing, DOT compliance, background searches, MVRs, and E-Verify. Call 888-738-9297 or contact us online to get started.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change; consult qualified counsel about your specific situation.