Check CVs to avoid unnecessary risks

Everyone tends to white lie sometimes. Overstating and exaggerating resume information can be tempting if you want to impress a (new) employer. For example, filling CV gaps by extending the period of employment or coming up with new courses, titles and or positions. Research shows that 71% of all resumes contain misleading information. This includes both conscious and unconscious mistakes some of which will not majorly affect your overall impression of the interviewee. However, of this 71% 8-10% are complete lies that can have serious consequences. In this blog we examine the importance of employment screening and detail how you can prevent CV fraud.

CV check to prevent CV fraud

We all know the news articles where candidates have wrongly applied for certain positions committing fraud. One example includes, the article (only available in Dutch) shared by the Public Prosecution Service detailing a man that had applied for a position several times with a false CV, fraudulent diplomas and other invalid documents. With his deemed work experience and training, he was able to work for three different healthcare institutions. His placement resulted in, patients experiencing delays in their diagnosis and treatment and their complaints became worse.

As an organisation, you should not have to worry about unlicensed personnel posing as, for example, a competent doctor or surgeon. It is therefore important that you limit risks by checking and verifying the details on a CV.

Checking CVs with Validata

Even if organisations do not yet officially screen their employees, they often research the potential employee’s background during the application process. For example, the applicant’s diploma is requested and specified referees are approached. However, because these actions are not considered as an official screening, they do not comply with laws and regulations.

At Validata, checking a CV includes the following inspections:

• Education check
  With an education check you can be sure that (potential) employees have the right foundation to perform their work correctly. With this background check, Validata checks the candidate’s highest level of education attained. Trainings and course certificates from private institutions cannot be verified.An education check is extremely important, because in several sectors it is obligated to employ completely qualified employees.
• Work experience check
  During a work experience check, the work experience of a (potential) employee is objectively checked. The specified referee or HR department will be contacted by email at their business address with a digital link requesting them to confirm the working period, stated position and employer.These background checks are performed based upon the information that the candidate provides in Validata’s online system. To note, Validata only provides an objective screening report, we do not assess the qualitative information related to a work position. To finalise this process, the employer should compare the factual information in the screening report and discuss any deviations with the candidate.