Everyone wants to get ahead in life, but that’s no excuse for dishonesty – and if you want to avoid your company bearing the cost by recruiting a unsuitable employee it’s vital to learn to spot those candidate lies.
Here are 10 of the biggest fibs to look out for during the employee hiring process.
1. Incorrect employment dates
Some candidates may stretch their period of work at their last employer to cover an employment gap – so you might want to verify the actual dates with said employer.
2. Lies about education level
Do they really have that degree that you insisted they have in the job recruitment advert? Don’t be afraid to probe their knowledge or check the real situation with their institution of study.
3. An inflated previous salary
A lot of candidates believe that the higher their last salary was, the more desirable or better-qualified they will seem to an employer – so keep an eye out for any pay figure that looks suspiciously high given their experience and ability.
4. Exaggerating technical expertise
As with the aforementioned salary issue, the reasons for bluffing about technical skills are obvious, and it can be hard to ascertain their veracity just by talking to the candidate – hence, why some skills-based testing may be in order at interview.
5. Fanciful reasons for employment gaps
Why was the candidate really unemployed for six months? Did they simply struggle to find a job in a difficult economy, or were they partying the weeks away in Ibiza?
6. Non-existent or poor second language skills
In today’s global society, candidates can gain a big advantage by claiming to have second language skills – so don’t be afraid to test their abilities at interview.
7. Dishonesty about ‘weaknesses’
So their only weakness is that they ‘work too hard’? Hogwash… unless, of course, they can provide real evidence of it! Be prepared for some right fibs in response to your queries on this subject.
8. Supposedly ‘brilliant’ relationships with ex-colleagues
If the candidate really did spend all of their time with their former co-workers smiling from ear to ear, why they are they looking for another job? They aren’t necessarily lying, but be sure to sniff out the real reasons.
9. Not mentioning why they lost their job
While it may be true that they had their contract terminated due to their position being outsourced, is it also possible that they just weren’t a good employee? A bit of research can help to uncover this.
10. Fibbing about future goals
When the candidate fudges about their future goals, it can be hard to identify – so you will simply have to do your best with this one, listening to your ‘gut feeling’.
As useful as such solutions as recruitment software are, they don’t always pick up every issue – hence, why you need to keep your eyes peeled for those notorious fibs.
