How to Check an Applicant's Work History

Fielding candidates for a job opening at your business or organization can be a taxing process and unfortunately, you may not always be able to believe what you see on a prospective employee's resume. Today, if candidates do not voluntarily provide references with their resume on their job application, it is not unusual to request them. It is perfectly within reason to screen the employment history of a potential employee.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the privacy laws in your state, as they differ from state to state. Be sure to have the permission of your the prospective employees before calling former employers.

2. Request references or the business phone numbers of former employees (as opposed to friends or business mentors) from your prospective employees during the job application process.

3. Call former employers. Identify yourself, your company and why you are calling. Ask to speak with prospective employee's past or current immediate supervisor, and verify that the company previously employed the applicant. If a former supervisor is not available, request to speak with the person in the next highest position in the chain of command that can confirm that person's past employment.

Tips & Warnings

• You can hire a professional organization to conduct employment background checks for your business or organization.

References

• Mississippi State University Applicant Reference Form

Resources

• National Association of Professional Background Screeners