Beware the CV Con Artists
In a world where CV fraud is on the rise, Sterling – the no-nonsense talent‑scouting guru – is sounding the alarm. They’re telling employers, big and small, to keep a sharp eye on those cheek‑smiling resumes that might hide a phony title or a made‑up degree.
What’s Goin’ Wrong?
- Exaggerated Experience: A seasoned candidate bragging about leading a Fortune 500 initiative when they’ve only managed a one‑person, one‑office operation.
- Fabricated Qualifications: “Master of Arts? Sure, I’ve got a certificate from an online university that hasn’t even been named yet.”
- Old School, New Tricks: Even the most senior folks can fall prey to a slick CV. “If they’ve been in a role for years, they must be legit” isn’t a foolproof strategy.
Why It Matters
If a candidate can’t prove they’re who they claim to be, the ripple effects can be huge: loss of trust, reputational damage, and, let’s be honest, a headache that drives the recruiter to the whiteboard (or a spreadsheet) for crying.
Stakeholders Get Their Hands Dirty… or Their Boots on the Ground
Here’s the quick-play guide adopted by Sterling to keep your hiring process squeaky clean:
- Double‑Check Credentials: Grab that diploma, hit the issuing institution, and confirm the degree is real. Don’t just rely on your gut.
- Verify Certifications: Use official databases or the certifying body’s online portal. Don’t let an unverified “Certification” sticker be the sole piece of evidence.
- Ask the Right Questions: Tailor your interview questions to probe for depth. “Can you walk me through a project where you overcame a true challenge?” is a good one.
- Leverage Background Screening Services: Get that third‑party verification to cross‑check references; they’ll tell you if someone’s “leadership” actually involved any leadership.
- Keep Records Handy: Store copies of verified documents until the hiring process is finalized. It’s like a safety net you never notice until it’s needed.
The Bottom Line
Don’t let a flashy headline or fancy buzzwords fool you. With CV fraud on the rise, the safest mantra is: Always verify, never assume. Sterling’s reminder isn’t just a warning – it’s an invitation to build a culture of trust and authenticity that will keep your organisation solid, ahead of the game, and free from those horrendous “Who’s that?” moments.
Why Facebook and Fancy Pants Need to Check Your Resume Thoroughly
Steve Smith, the big boss of International at Sterling, recently shared a cautionary tale about folks who keep it up in the natural world of work. In a nutshell: the job market is evolving, and with that comes a brand‑new breed of sneaky workers. One of the classic tricks—faking CV details—remains stubbornly popular.
What Steve Lived Through
- Senior positions are hot today, but some applicants are cooking up fake qualifications to get the job.
- These “brick‑laid” resumes don’t just get you in—they get you into top sheets.
- At Sterling, they’ve watched candidates slide into roles with made‑up experience that shows up on paper but never really happened.
Security Red‑Flag
If someone lies about their schooling or training, it’s more than a typo; it’s a warning. Think of it as a “future risk badge” that says, “Hey, this person might cause trouble if you trust them too soon.”
Common Misconceptions
Companies often let the previous employer do all the hard work for them, assuming the checks are bulletproof. But the reality? This magic isn’t guaranteed.
Tech to the Rescue
Innovation is saving the day by making your digital identity portable from one job to the next. That means fewer manual checks and a smoother hiring pipeline—ideally with less clunky paperwork.
However, even with the best tech, no one should assume—just because a former workplace looked good, that’s a guarantee of honesty. Real check‑ins must still happen.
The Bottom Line
Every time you’ll hire someone, clear them about every training line on their CV. And remember: a shadowy education record is a sign that that person might be playing “slither” in the workplace. Verify, but be a human being—don’t let digital shortcuts make you naive.
Stay tuned and keep your hiring processes on point—your business deserves that!
