When hiring a new employee, it is essential for employers to verify their employment history to ensure that they have the required skills and experience for the job. Verifying a candidate’s employment history can be a time-consuming and challenging process, but it is a necessary step in the hiring process. In this article, we will discuss how to properly verify employment history.
Why Verify Employment History?
Verifying a candidate’s employment history is crucial for several reasons. First, it allows employers to confirm that the candidate has the necessary skills and experience for the job. Second, it can help identify any gaps or inconsistencies in a candidate’s work history, which can be a red flag for potential issues.
Third, verifying employment history can help reduce the risk of hiring someone who has falsified their resume or provided false information about their work experience. This can help protect the company from financial losses and legal liabilities.
Steps for Verifying Employment History
- Contact Previous Employers
The first step in verifying a candidate’s employment history is to contact their previous employers. This can be done either by phone, email, or through a third-party verification service. When contacting previous employers, it is essential to ask for the correct contact person and verify the information provided by the candidate, such as the dates of employment, job title, and salary.
2. Ask for References
In addition to contacting previous employers, it is also a good idea to ask the candidate for professional references. These references can be previous supervisors, colleagues, or clients who can provide additional insight into the candidate’s work history and performance. When contacting references, it is important to ask specific questions about the candidate’s work ethic, job responsibilities, and accomplishments.
3. Verify Education Credentials
Another essential step in verifying employment history is to confirm the candidate’s education credentials. This can be done by contacting the educational institution directly or through a third-party verification service. It is important to verify that the candidate has the required degree or certification for the job and that the institution is accredited.
4. Check Social Media Profiles
In today’s digital age, many job candidates have social media profiles that can provide additional insight into their work history and qualifications. Employers can review the candidate’s LinkedIn profile, for example, to confirm their job history and obtain recommendations from previous supervisors or colleagues.
5. Use a Background Check Service
Employers can also use a background check service to verify a candidate’s employment history. These services can provide a comprehensive report that includes information on the candidate’s criminal record, credit history, and other relevant information. It is essential to ensure that the background check service complies with federal and state laws regarding the use of background checks in employment decisions.
Tips for Verifying Employment History
- Verify Dates of Employment
When verifying a candidate’s employment history, it is essential to confirm the dates of employment to ensure that there are no gaps or inconsistencies in their work history. This can be done by contacting the previous employer or reviewing pay stubs or W-2 forms.
2. Ask for W-2 Forms
W-2 forms provide a detailed record of a candidate’s income and can be used to verify their employment history. Employers can ask the candidate to provide copies of their W-2 forms from previous employers to confirm their dates of employment and income.
3. Verify Job Titles and Responsibilities
It is also important to verify the candidate’s job title and responsibilities to ensure that they have the required skills and experience for the job. Employers can ask previous employers for a detailed job description or review the candidate’s resume to confirm their job responsibilities.
4. Use a Release Form
Employers need to obtain a release form from the candidate before verifying their employment history. The release form gives the employer permission to contact previous employers and conduct a background check.