Spotting Fake Resumes: Essential Tips

With technology making it easier for job candidates to embellish their resumes, ensuring the integrity of your hiring process has never been more critical. This article delves into how you can identify fake resumes and make sure you hire the most qualified candidates.

Are Fake Resumes Really A Problem?

In an ideal world, every resume you receive would be accurate and truthful. Unfortunately, the reality is that many candidates feel the pressure to stand out, leading them to embellish or even falsify their resumes. This is where your detective skills come into play.

How To Spot A Fake Resume

While some fake resumes can be sophisticated, there are usually telltale signs that something is amiss. Here are some red flags:

Inconsistencies in Job Titles and Responsibilities: Rapid, illogical career progression or mismatched job titles and duties warrant a closer look.
Vague Descriptions: Candidates should provide detailed accounts of their roles, projects, and accomplishments. A lack of specifics can be a warning sign.
Errors and Inconsistencies in Dates: Look for overlapping or unexplained gaps in employment dates.
Overuse of Jargon: Excessive use of industry buzzwords can be an attempt to cover up a lack of genuine knowledge.

How To Verify A Candidate's Resume

Identifying red flags is just the first step. Here’s how to verify your suspicions:

Reference Checks: Speaking directly with previous employers or colleagues can provide valuable insights.
Online Research: A quick Google search can reveal a lot about a candidate. Check their LinkedIn profile and other professional platforms.
Skill Tests: For certain roles, conducting a skill test can effectively verify a candidate’s capabilities.
Behavioral Interview Questions: Genuine candidates should be able to provide detailed examples of their skills and experiences.

Red Flags in Resume Formatting

Inconsistent Formatting: Look for varied fonts, sizes, and colors within the same resume, which can indicate copied content.
Professionally Prepared Resumes: Excessive graphics and extreme formatting might suggest someone else prepared the resume.
Modification History: Check the properties of the resume for multiple edits by different people.

Technical and Industry Domain Inconsistencies

Fake resumes often have technical inconsistencies:

Incorrect Usage of Software Versions: Listing software versions that didn’t exist during the claimed period.
Multiple Industry Domains: Claiming experience in several industries without relevant experience.
Missing Education Details: Education without passing years or university information.
Undocumented Projects: Projects listed from top companies without supporting data.

Geographical and Contact Information Clues

Relocation Feasibility: Question candidates claiming extensive geographical flexibility without prior context.
Email Addresses: Unprofessional emails can be a red flag.
LinkedIn Profiles: Verify profiles for authenticity. Fake candidates often lack genuine connections and professional activity.

Additional Red Flags During Communication

Google Voice Numbers or No Voicemail Setup: These can be suspicious.
Unavailable During Calls: Frequent unavailability can be a concern.
Calls from Blocked or Different Numbers: Indicative of deceptive behavior.
Reluctance to Provide Employer Contact: Candidates hesitant to share contact details for past employers should be questioned further.
Reluctance for In-Person Interviews: This can be a red flag.

Checking for Plagiarism

Use tools like Grammarly to check resumes for plagiarism. These tools can detect copied text from other resumes or online sources, indicating possible fabrication.

GitHub Checks for Coders, Programmers, and Developers

For technical roles, especially coders and developers, it’s essential to check their GitHub or other code repositories:

Reviewing GitHub Repositories: Look for original projects and contributions.
Activity and Contributions: Evaluate the frequency and quality of their contributions.
Project Details and Documentation: Authentic candidates often provide comprehensive documentation.
Code Quality: Assess the quality of the code.
Starred and Forked Repositories: This can provide insights into their expertise areas.

Proxy Interviews Defined

A proxy interview occurs when a candidate uses a stand-in or deepfake technology to represent themselves. This fraudulent practice is intended to mislead hiring managers. Here are some methods to detect such fraud:

Lip Syncing: Someone else in the room supplies answers while the candidate moves their lips.
Back-Up Tactics: Candidates might use dual keyboards, monitors, or headphones for assistance.
Virtual Access: Using tools like Zoom or TeamViewer for remote test taking.

Tips for Handling Obvious Use of ChatGPT During an Interview

With advances in technology, some candidates may use tools like ChatGPT during interviews. Here’s how to handle it:

Utilize Video Interviews: Always use video interviews for remote positions.
Require Camera Usage: Ensure candidates keep their cameras on.
Clear Instructions: Explicitly state that using generative AI tools is not permitted.
Observe Candidate Behavior: Pay attention to those who repeat questions aloud or audibly type.
Implement Technical Challenges: Include tasks requiring real-time problem-solving.
Probing Questions: Ask follow-up questions that require detailed explanations.

Increased Security Risk and Cost-Per-Hire

While some scammers might just be trying to cheat the system, others could have more malicious intent.

How to Proactively Combat Proxy Interviews

Here are some best practices:

Video Interviews: Always use video interviews.
Utilize Online Platforms: Cross-verify a candidate’s identity.
Thorough Background Checks: Implement comprehensive background checks.
In-depth Reference Checks: Contact previous employers directly.

Partner With an Outside Recruiting Firm

An experienced recruiter can help quickly find the right candidate, especially for hard-to-fill positions. They offer well-established candidate vetting practices, background screening, access to deep talent networks, assistance with compensation negotiations, and more.

Wrapping Up | Identify Fake Candidates

By following these tips and techniques, you can become a resume verification pro. Fostering an honest and transparent recruitment process helps ensure you attract candidates who share your company’s values. Happy hiring!