Lots of people admit to embellishing their CVs, which means they've exaggerated their education or experiences to improve their chances of securing the role. This is something you should be aware of when learning about recruitment online, as it's quite common.
Below, we’ll dive into some of the tell-tale signs a candidate has lied on their resume, and what to do about it.
How Do You Know If An Applicant Is Lying On Their Resume?
Whether the candidate will be working remotely or in-store/in an office, the below signs can help you spot potential lies. Knowing how to recognise these signs can make your hiring process more reliable. Here are some red flags to be aware of:
- Gaps in Work History
Look for unexplained gaps or overlapping experiences in a candidate's work history. While not always the case, it can be a potential red flag.
What to do: When you see these, consider asking for references to verify timelines and inquire about the discrepancies.
- Vague Job Descriptions
Pay attention to vague job descriptions and ambiguous phrases like "involved with" or "was part of" when describing their roles in previous positions.
What to do: Make a note to seek clarification during the interview.
- Their Skills Seem A Little TOO Extensive
Be cautious when a candidate's CV lists an excessive number of skills, especially if they are relatively young.
What to do: You can assess their skills through skill-based or competency-based interviews to ensure they are valid.
- Their CV Doesn't Match Their Social Media
It's common practice for employers to check the social media profiles of those applying for roles. If they’ve described their hobbies as playing music and having quiet nights in and all you can see are pictures of them having wild nights out – there might be a mismatch.
What to do: Get them to explain the disparity in the interview. It might not seem important as it relates to their private life, but if they’ve lied to you about it – it could end up being a problem.
These are just a few examples, and there are various ways candidates may fabricate information. The key is to look for inconsistencies and ask questions to clarify any doubts. Honest candidates will address your concerns promptly, while those who are not truthful may struggle to do so.
Read more: Why Hiring The Right Staff For Your Franchise Is Crucial
How Often Do People Lie On Their CVs?
Surprisingly, a significant 63% of job applicants admit to lying on their resumes. This statistic suggests that more than half of the CVs you receive may not be entirely truthful.
As an HR recruiter, it's essential to have the right skill set and be able to spot any lies on a resume. How do you acquire these skills? In OCA’s Business and Management for Franchisees Skills Bundle, for example, you’ll learn everything you need to know about hiring the best team for a franchise.
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Recruiting the right people for your business can be a bit tricky, but with the right knowledge, it’s much easier.
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