The resume verification process: how to confirm the skills of each candidate

Resumes tell you about a candidate’s skills and professional background.

However, you need to confirm that the information that’s been presented is authentic and truthful. Otherwise, it could lead to a potential mis-hire.

That’s where background checks come into play. 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the resume verification process and how to confirm the skills of each candidate.

What is the resume verification process?

The resume verification process refers to doing a background check on a candidate to verify the information that’s been presented in their job application. 

For example, their:

• Work experience
• Qualifications
• Skills

This also makes sure that you’ve interpreted the resume the right way and prevents any misunderstandings.

The importance of verifying a candidate’s resume and expertise

Sometimes, an applicant’s resume could portray them as something where reality doesn’t align with the expectations. That’s one of the main reasons why it’s important to authenticate the details. 

However, there are 4 key points as to why it’s vital to verify the resumes you receive. Each of these is essential for a successful talent acquisition strategy.

Ensure the candidate is competent enough for the job 

Validate the candidate’s expertise by ensuring that they’re qualified and competent enough to carry out the job responsibilities. Without confirming this, it could lead to work being completed at a standard lower than what you’re expecting.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s good practice to make a hiring decision using data gained from their knowledge in the skills area.

 In other words, testing their cognitive abilities and on-the-job skills.

Identify a strong cultural fit

All organizations are different. 

Meaning, each of them has a unique workflow and a different set of values. 

That’s why it’s important to identify those candidates who are capable of adapting and performing effectively in your work environment. Verifying their approach gives insight into their behavior and whether or not they can align with your core beliefs.

Prevent yourself from making a bad hire

According to a report by HireRight, it was found that more than 80% of applicants are dishonest in their resumes. 

It’s not out of the question for job seekers to lie on their applications. 

Some are willing to do anything to secure the opportunity even if it means altering the truth in their favor. 

For instance, you may see statements such as:

• Increased the efficiency of the recruitment process by 50%.
• Assessed over 10,000 candidates across 10 different countries. 

At first glance, it’s impressive to read those accomplishments. But, it’s crucial to confirm them. 

In some cases, they’ll know how to resemble your ideal candidate and are willing to make claims related to the job title responsibilities to prove they’re a good fit. 

Invest time with the right candidates 

All qualified candidates should be reaching the interview stage. 

After authenticating their resumes, it’s easier to filter out the top candidates on your list of contacts. This way, each applicant you interview will at least have the necessary skills and expertise. 

But, stay in touch with all applicants you come across. It helps with building your talent pool.

4 Steps in the resume verification process

Now that you know the importance of the resume verification process, we’ll cover how you can apply it in 4 steps.

1. Get proof of academic achievements

When it comes to confirming their qualifications, it’s not necessary to get in touch with their previous university or place of study.

Instead, you can request the candidate to send an image of the original copy of their certificate.

Or if you’re using an applicant tracking system (ATS), it will easily detect whether or not the academic transcripts provided are legit.

2. Contact their previous employers

Get in touch with previous employers and companies that they’ve mentioned in their work experience section. 

Use the opportunity to confirm their employment and the work accomplishments they’ve written. This ensures that there are no misinterpretations and that any numbers or statistics included are truthful.

3. Check each of their references

In their resume, you may notice a references section. 

Using that list, confirm each of them is authentic and that the credentials are real. Moreover, you can make sure that they’ve had a positive experience with the candidate and that there are no gaps in their professional background.

4. Confirm the personal details

The personal information includes the following:

• Name
• Address
• Location
• Contact details

It’s mandatory that the candidate is eligible to work as a professional and that they’re an authentic citizen. Otherwise, it could lead to legal consequences.

How to verify a candidate’s knowledge in the skills area

There are 3 steps you can take to ensure you’re progressing with the right candidates throughout the recruiting process. 

Interview assessments

Interview assessments can tell you how the candidate reacts to different situations, their maturity, self-awareness, and more. 

Asking questions on the spot gives you an idea to see how they apply their theoretical knowledge and how they respond. For instance, whether or not they’re holding eye contact and if they’re speaking confidently. 

This is also a way to determine if they’re a good cultural fit.

Use proctoring solutions 

A proctor-based solution stops applicants from cheating in remote interviews or assessments. 

For instance, they may search up for answers online as you’re questioning them or while they’re doing a candidate assessment. 

While it’s a good approach to give them a test to evaluate their skills, it’s more important that they’re being completed properly. Without deterring or preventing them from cheating, it may lead to inaccurate data which would negatively influence a hiring decision.

Hire based on job performance

On the topic of using proctor-based solutions, an effective approach to screening candidates is to give them a short assessment. 

This lets you see first-hand if they’re competent enough for the role. 
Even if some candidates have theoretical knowledge, not all of them may know how to apply it. Unlike hiring based on what you see on paper, you get to see how they use what they know to solve a problem.

The benefits of verifying a candidate’s resume and job skills

Besides the long-term value of saving time and money, there are a few more advantages of verifying the resumes and job skills of applicants. 

Reduce the probability of mis-fire 

By verifying the applications and skills of candidates, you’re getting a better understanding of who you’re going to recruit. This helps with reducing the likelihood of making a mis-hire before employing someone for a full-time or permanent position. 

During this part of the recruitment process, you may also come to realize if they’re a better fit for another similar role rather than the one that they’ve applied for. 

Minimize employee turnovers

Employee turnover refers to the number of employees who leave their jobs. 

Through resume verification, it gives you insight into those that are a good fit for both the job position and brand values. Meaning, they share the company mission and are committed to making it happen. 

To put it another way, it helps you hire someone that’s passionate. Therefore, it’s easier to retain them. That’s another reason why it’s worth assessing the job seeker’s mindset and attitude. 

A reliable selection process to build the best talent pool

Some job seekers are willing to do anything to secure a vacant position even if it means lying or twisting the truth. 

That’s why the resume verification process is essential for modern recruitment. 

If you’re looking for the most talented candidates that you could retain for the long-term, note that resumes aren’t the best indicators to determine whether or not they’re a good fit. Instead, give them a short yet effective skills assessment to get insight into what they’re truly capable of. 

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