July 14, 2008

Criminal histories are often thought of as the main focus of an employment background check. While it is true that knowing a candidate’ past criminal activities is critical to making an informed hiring decision, there are certain other aspects for quality pre-employment screening that are important to consider as well. Foremost among these other issues is the checking of candidates’ academic credentials.

It doesn’t take more than a printer and some decent paper to create a realistic looking degree from Harvard. As unlikely as it may seem, these types of fabrications do occur in America on a daily basis. If that isn’t scary enough, consider the fact that degrees are available online from universities that require few or no classes to be taken. These degree-granting institutions are not accredited by any governing body of higher education. If academic credentials are taken without verification during an employment background check potential employers may never know their employee’s degree came in the mail.

Letting an employee slip through the employee screening  process with false academic credentials can be cause for a myriad of potential issues. Putting a new hire in a position they are not actually qualified for can quickly spell disaster, especially in high level positions. In addition, if a falsified or exaggerated education is able to slip though the employee screening there is no telling what other aspects of the persons’ life may be erroneous.

Education verification should always be executed by employers who hire workers with advanced degrees. A qualified employee screening company will include this as a part of a comprehensive employment background check.

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