How To Verify Previous Employment
To verify previous employment, various methods such as contacting the former employer directly, requesting an employment verification letter, or using third-party verification services can be used. This ensures the accuracy of the candidate’s work history, but the approach may vary depending on factors like employer cooperation and available documentation.
Verifying previous employment is a critical step in the hiring process, as it helps ensure that candidates have the experience and qualifications they claim to possess. To begin this process, start by obtaining a resume from the applicant under consideration. This document will serve as your primary source of information regarding the candidate’s prior employment experiences, including the names of the companies they worked for, their job titles, and the dates of their employment.
Once you have the resume, the next step is to independently verify the information provided. This involves reaching out to each workplace listed on the applicant’s resume. For the most accurate results, it is crucial to use phone numbers you have obtained independently—such as through the company’s official website or a trusted business directory—rather than those provided by the applicant. This precaution helps ensure that you are contacting the genuinely relevant and credible entities rather than potentially fraudulent references.
When contacting each previous employer, your goal is to confirm several key details. First, verify the dates of employment to ensure that there are no discrepancies with what the applicant has listed on their resume. This can help spot potential gaps or overlaps in employment that need further exploration. Secondly, confirm the job titles held by the candidate to ensure they match the positions listed on the resume. Asking about the employee’s responsibilities and performance can also provide useful insights, although companies vary in what information they are willing to disclose, often due to privacy policies or legal concerns.
In addition to these steps, consider utilizing other employment verification methods such as background checks or formal employment verification services. These services can offer more detailed insights and might uncover information that direct inquiries miss.
By taking these thorough steps, you increase the likelihood of making informed and reliable hiring decisions, thereby reducing the risk of bringing on a candidate who may have misrepresented their qualifications or work history. This due diligence not only protects your company’s interests but also fosters a trustworthy and competent workforce.
