Employment history verification refers to the process of confirming the details provided by a potential new employee regarding their past employment. This includes validating the dates of employment, job titles, responsibilities, and any other relevant information listed in a CV – or on social media platforms like LinkedIn.
As an employer, it is advised these checks are done to ensure that the applicant is truthful about their work background and to identify any gaps in CV that might need further explanation.
Employment history verification can take the form of something officially written or even a verbal verification. This process is essential to avoid issues such as applicants lying on their CV about their roles and responsibilities.
Why employment verification matters
Employment verification offers several key benefits to you as an employer:
Accuracy in hiring
Verifying a candidate’s employment history helps you avoid hiring individuals who misrepresent their experience. This is crucial for ensuring the candidate is well-suited for the job. By conducting an employment verification background check, companies can ensure they hire people with the right skills and experience, and avoid those who might have lied in their CV.
Risk reduction
Background checks and employment verification significantly reduce the risks associated with hiring people who may have falsified their experience. Whether through a background check for employment or an employer verification check, this process helps safeguard the business from potential fraud or poor performance.
Legal compliance
Some industries require strict adherence to regulatory guidelines, and employer checking services help companies maintain compliance.
Types of employment verification checks
There are several different types of checks that contribute to a comprehensive employment history verification:
1. Employment history check
An employment history check is the most basic verification process, focusing on validating job titles, dates of employment, and responsibilities. This often involves contacting the applicant’s previous employers directly to confirm the details listed on the individual’s CV. This helps identify any gaps in a CV that might need further explanation.
2. Background check and employment verification
A background check and employment verification combine various safeguards. These checks are critical for roles that require a high level of trust or involve handling sensitive data. They also help uncover any lying on a CV that could affect the candidate’s suitability for the role.
3. Reference checks
Reference checks allow employers to assess a person’s previous job performance and personality traits by speaking with former managers or colleagues. Employment verification email templates are commonly used by employers to streamline the reference-checking process. This form of employment referencing is crucial for gaining insights into the candidate’s work ethic and reliability.
How employment verification works
The employment verification process typically follows several important steps, ensuring that employers can accurately check employment history:
Gathering employment information
The first step is to gather the employment history details provided by the candidate in their CV. This may include previous job titles, dates of employment, and job responsibilities. Employers may also ask for additional documents, such as a verification of employment form or a more detailed employment verification checklist.
Contacting past employers
Employers or third-party screening companies, like us, reach out to previous employers to confirm the accuracy of the provided information. A verbal verification of employment is often the quickest way to confirm details, although formal documentation might be requested as well. This helps identify any lying on a CV that could affect the candidate’s credibility.
Reviewing results and making decisions
Once all information has been gathered, employers will analyse the data, looking for discrepancies or missing information. If any issues are found, the employer may follow up with the candidate for clarification. You may also want toinquire about gaps in employment, understanding the gaps can help you to assess whether these periods affect the candidate’s job performance or integrity. Addressing gaps in a CV is essential for a thorough evaluation.
Once you have reviewed all of the information you can make a well-informed decision as to whether you will hire that person.
Challenges in employment verification
Despite its importance, employment verification can present several challenges for employers:
Incomplete or inaccurate information
Applicants may fail to provide complete contact details, leading to difficulties in confirming their employment history. Employers may also encounter discrepancies between the employment history check results and what the candidate listed on their CV.
Miscommunication
Errors can arise due to miscommunication between the employer and previous employers, leading to delays in confirming the details. For instance, if the employer’s contact information is outdated, the verification process can be delayed. Effective employment referencing requires clear and accurate communication to avoid such issues.
Privacy issues
Candidates may be hesitant to allow their previous employers to release information, raising privacy concerns. Employers must ensure compliance with regulations such as GDPR when conducting checks to avoid violating privacy rights. This is crucial for maintaining trust and integrity in the employment referencing process.
Delayed responses
Verification of employment can be time-consuming if you do not use an external provider, especially if the candidate worked for a large company or one that is no longer operational. Delays can slow down the hiring process and lead to frustration on both sides. Addressing gaps in a CV promptly and efficiently is essential to keep the hiring process on track.
Best practices for accurate verification
To ensure that employment verification is both ethical and effective, employers should follow these best practices:
1. Obtain consent
Always ensure the candidate provides written consent before conducting any employment verification. This protects both the candidate’s privacy and the employer’s interests and is a crucial step in ethical employment verification.
2. Use third-party services
Using a trusted employer checking service or background screening company like Reed Screening can help streamline the verification process. These services are equipped to handle the verification of employment and background checks professionally and efficiently, reducing time and risk.
3. Be transparent
Clearly communicate the verification process to those you are conducting them for. Let them know what information will be verified and how it impacts their application. Being transparent ensures a positive recruitment experience and builds trust in the process.
4. Address gaps in employment
When addressing gaps in employment, be open and understanding. Whether the reason for the gap is to look after young children or simply 6-months out of work exploring the wonders of the world, you should consider the context of these breaks and avoid discrimination based on past circumstances. Properly addressing gaps in a CV helps in making fair and informed hiring decisions.
5. Maintain compliance
Adhere to legal standards regarding data protection and privacy, including obtaining the necessary permissions and following compliance guidelines when conducting employment verification background checks. This ensures that the process respects the candidate’s rights and maintains the integrity of the process.
Employment history verification is a crucial step in the hiring process, ensuring that candidates are truthful about their experience and qualifications. Whether through a simple employment history check, a detailed background check and employment verification, or a thorough employer verification check, conducting the relevant checks will help you make informed, fair hiring decisions.
At Reed Screening, we offer a comprehensive range of referencing and work history screening services. Find out more on our dedicated page or get in touch with an expert today.