How to Spot Lies on a Job Application

Banana Factory, Bethlehem, PAWednesday December 8, 2010

Presented by:

Peter Melan, President

Introduction

Elements of a Job Application

• Personal Demographics

• Work/Education History

• References

• CONSENT!!!

Elements of a Job Application

• What to Ask• Where did you work• Personal information; Name, Address, SS#• Criminal History

• Ban the Box Legislation in Massachusetts and Hawaii• Legislation considered to prohibit credit reports from private sector• Eliminate time on telephone

• Information that can be verified

Elements of a Job Application

• What NOT to Ask• Gender• Marital Status• Sexual Preference• Religion

Identifying Potential Issues• Strict education requirements

• Applicant states only some college completed• Verify completion of degree at institution indicated• Possible problematic areas-Medicine, Lawyer

• Lack of proof of diploma if job requires proof

• Many previous addresses

• Smudging information on application

Identifying Potential Issues

• SSN documented but does not match SS Card• Verify through SS Administration• Request LEGIBLE copy or original SS Card

• References are only family members

• Jobs that require driver’s license• Is applicant legally able to operate a motor vehicle• Obtain copy or original license and conduct DMV check

Identifying Potential Issues

• Lack of verifiable work history

• Unable to produce verification documents

• Electronic applications

Verification of Information

• Licensure if job requires certain levels• PA Department of State• Provide certification card

• Documents • Driver’s License• SS Card• Paystubs• Diploma – if job description requires proof

Verification of Employment History

• What to Verify• Salary• Dates of Employment• Final Position at time of departure

• What will majority of employers verify?• Most only verify dates of employment• Privacy issues• Company policies• Large % fear litigation

Verification of Employment History

• Why do people lie• Disguise long periods of unemployment• Imprisonment• Inflate work experience

Employment Verification Techniques

• Telephone• Traditional and proven• More time, voicemails, phone tag• In-house or out-sourced• Information is hand written• May cause delays in offering applicant position• Costly if applicant worked at several employers

Employment Verification Techniques

• Online• Reassign staff to other duties, increase efficiency• Can be easily integrated into HRIS• Hands-off approach• No phone calls, documentation required• Results can be provided within minutes• Extremely cost effective• Not all companies/HR departments are on-board

• verifications without the calls

QUESTIONS?