Updated on January 8, 2010
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You’re browsing through the resume of a potential applicant and he/she looks pretty impressive on paper. There are a number of management positions and responsibilities that he/she has held, and that’s exactly what you need for your position. So you give him/her a call and offer a face-to-face meeting.
The interview goes supremely well, but because you know it’s critical, you perform a thorough background check that includes calling past employers, just for good measure.
And then you find out the truth — that your “wonderful” job applicant lied.
It’s not a new scenario, and it’s not relegated to any one profession. Lawyers, executives, salespersons, engineers can all be part of the mix. Because many employers only conduct precursory background checks, job applicants truly believe they can “get away with” their deceptions. (Many do!)
And as the number of jobs dwindles compares to the number of job hunters looking for positions grows, it’s happening with a greater frequency. That’s why every company needs to be extremely focused on background screening. Now, more than ever, it’s one of the best ways to protect an organization.
