No one likes interviews, but they are essential for a business’s growth. Without them, how would you know who you are hiring and if they are a good worker? If you are in the business of hiring new employees long enough, you will start to notice some inconsistencies in resumes. Sadly, these lies are common, and spotting them up front can prevent problems in the future. Background checks are great tools that will give you lots of pertinent information, but you will also want to learn some of the most common lies you’ll hear at interviews to better protect your company.
Education
People may want to seem smarter or more accomplished to increase their chances at a job. You’ll often see potential hires lie about degrees they have gotten or the grades they received. This deception can be problematic, as many jobs require specific degrees that provide specialized knowledge or training. To prevent these lies, let candidates know that you may ask for proof of degrees or certifications. If you discover they aren’t telling the truth, there are appropriate ways to confront them about their education.
Work Dates
Another common lie that you will hear is about work dates. It is not uncommon for candidates to have gaps in their work as they find other jobs. People often believe that these gaps are problematic, and many try to lie about the dates of their previous employment to hide these gaps. The best way to stop these lies is to call and verify these dates with their previous employers. Just remember that gaps in employment are common and not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, work is hard to find, or personal reasons keep people at home.
Skills
A very typical way that candidates try to make themselves look good is by exaggerating their skills. A great way to combat this form of lying is to dig into the skill they claim to have. Ask for details, and see how they respond to the questions. This area is another one where you have to trust your gut feelings.
Salary
Lying about a previous salary is a common tactic that candidates use to give them a better platform for negotiations. Sadly, there is not much you can do to prevent this, as there is no legal requirement for companies to share previous employees’ salaries. Just research the average salary for the position you are hiring for and determine what you are willing to pay for the work.
Now that you know more about the most common lies you’ll hear at interviews, you can avoid hiring unqualified candidates. Though these are the untruths you’ll run into most frequently, there will be plenty of others that people will tell to look better. Just remember to go with your instincts and take your time making decisions on new hires.
