In today’s competitive job market, candidates are finding creative ways to stand out, but some of these ways are dishonest. These tactics can lead to costly hiring mistakes. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 75% of employers have hired the wrong person for a position, with an average cost of $15,000 per bad hire. The impact goes beyond finances, affecting productivity, employee morale, and even company reputation. Abel Personnel has seen it all. With over 55 years of experience, we help our clients find ethical and qualified candidates. Our robust application database and meticulous verification processes ensure that our clients get the most qualified candidates.
To illustrate the challenges faced in today’s hiring landscape, let’s examine some common deception tactics and how Abel Personnel effectively counters them.
The Double-Resume Gambit: Detecting Discrepancies in Candidate Resumes
Candidates often submit different resumes to different employers, tailoring each version to a specific job.
- Our database flags discrepancies between resumes
- We identify mismatches in job titles, dates, and skills
- This ensures only honest candidates make it through
Falsified Documents and Information: Authenticating Credentials and Verifying Employment History
Some job seekers provide fake documents. They may change utility bills or rental agreements to meet residency requirements. Others exaggerate their job titles or responsibilities.
- We authenticate documents with utility companies
- We contact previous employers directly
- We confirm roles, responsibilities, and achievements
- This ensures candidates accurately represent their experience
Fake References: Uncovering Fabricated Testimonials
Fake references are becoming more common. These are often friends or family pretending to be past supervisors. A study by StandOut CV found that 9 in 50 job seekers (18.5%) admitted to using fake job reference services to enhance their applications.
- We ask in-depth questions
- We verify the reference’s relationship to the candidate
- We check their timeline of employment
AI-Assisted Virtual Interviews: Identifying the Use of AI Tools
Candidates are using AI tools during virtual interviews to provide instant answers and project an image of expertise. According to a survey by Virtual Vocations, 70% of jobseekers have used AI tools to help them in their job search.
- Behavioral Questions: We ask situational questions
- Live Interaction: We monitor for hesitation or mismatched tone
- Verification Steps: We validate skills through assessments
Diploma Mills and Fake Certifications: Ensuring Authenticity of Credentials
Online platforms offer fake degrees or certifications that candidates use to falsely claim credentials. Even back in 2013, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found 463 federal employees with degrees from just three known diploma mills. Considering the continued growth of online deception tactics, it’s likely the problem is even more widespread today
- We use trusted credential verification services to ensure authenticity
Manipulated Employment Dates: Verifying Employment Timelines
Candidates may alter employment dates to hide job-hopping or fabricate freelance roles to cover gaps in their work history.
- We verify employment timelines
- We ask for supporting documentation for freelance claims
“Test Takers” for Pre-Employment Assessments: Ensuring the Integrity of the Hiring Process
Some candidates have others complete online tests for them, creating a false impression of their abilities.
- We integrate validation exercises into our screening process
Protecting Your Organization from Hiring Risks
In today’s complex hiring landscape, deceptive tactics don’t just waste time and disrupt operations – they can fundamentally undermine your company’s culture, productivity, and bottom line. With the average cost of a bad hire exceeding $15,000, organizations can’t afford to take chances with their verification processes.
- Deep expertise in detecting and preventing candidate misrepresentation
- Comprehensive verification processes refined over five decades
- Advanced screening technologies and methodologies
- Continuous adaptation to new deception tactics, including AI-enabled fraud
- Dedicated professionals who understand your industry and hiring needs
Let’s Work Together
With over five decades of expertise, Abel Personnel delivers more than just candidate matches – we provide peace of mind. Our thorough vetting process ensures that every candidate we present not only has the right qualifications but also demonstrates the integrity and honesty your organization deserves.
Don’t let hiring deception put your company at risk. Contact Abel Personnel today to discover how our proven screening methods and industry expertise can help you build a stronger, more reliable workforce. Call us at 717-561-2222 or visit Abelpersonnel.com to learn more about protecting your hiring process.
Sources:
1. Virtual Vocations
2. StandOutCV
3. Government Accountability Office (GAO)
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Marion Adams, Director at Abel Personnel since 2013, is a master talent matchmaker known for finding “Purple Squirrel” candidates across PA, MD, and VA. She leads a dynamic team, blending tech-savvy recruiting with a personal touch to create perfect placements.