Don't trust, verify: unmasking resume lies in engineering positions

Save your time from wasting it on the fake CVs

In the competitive job market, resume fraud has become a concerning issue. Candidates occasionally resort to deceptive tactics to enhance their chances of securing coveted engineering positions.

We aim to equip you with the tools to identify those who twist the truth and ensure your talent search journey is filled with anticipation for a brighter future rather than stress.

Here is a short guide on navigating the murky waters of resume fraud to save you from wasting time on fake profiles.

CV

Our quest to uncover resume fraud takes us to the first step of the hiring process: CV pre-screening that can hint at potential resume fraud.

Look out for the following red flags:

• frequent job changes without valid explanations

• unrealistic experience, particularly from top-tier institutions

• limited project experience or suspiciously short employment durations

If you want to ensure that the candidate included incorrect info, ask a few additional questions or request letters of recommendation.

Social Media Profiles

One of the first red flags to watch out for is the presence of fake social media profiles on the candidate's resume, especially on LinkedIn.

Picture this: a candidate's resume boasts an impressive profile, but upon closer inspection, something seems off.

These profiles often exhibit a few distinct characteristics, such as…

• Asian appearance paired with European/American name

• a limited number of connections, but there still may be the case when the candidate has a more extensive network on LinkedIn, and you have mutual connections with them, as you are not the only recruiter who checks their profile

• recently created companies, or ones with minimal information (no company logo, website link, 3-7 employees, and half have “open to new opportunities” label)

• a lack of connection or endorsements, or profile activity

• AI-generated avatars

Also, please pay close attention to the candidate’s GitHub account and their activity there. The best option is to seek expert advice to understand the candidate’s activity and contributions better.

Pre-screening Interview:

Unlikely that the candidate passed the pre-screening with this advice, but if yes, there are a few tips for catching a lie during the pre-screening interview.

• Request the candidate to turn on their camera so that you will be able to see their non-verbal reactions

• ask targeted questions to assess their domain expertise

• Prompt them to provide more details about their previous personal and work projects, their responsibilities there, their goals and achievements

By asking a few targeted questions, you can gauge the candidate's English proficiency and assess their domain knowledge. Inconsistent responses or a lack of expertise in crucial areas may unravel the deceptive facade, helping you uncover the truth.

Let’s sum it up!

1. In-person communication is crucial – assess their English level and non-verbal reactions.

2. Prepare for the interview by learning the candidate's domain to understand their responses better.

3. Ask for concrete information and proof, such as references or public information on their projects.

4. If you have mutual connections, ask for a recommendation.

Armed with this knowledge, we can outsmart the deceivers and safeguard our recruitment process. By implementing these proactive measures, we can save time, streamline hiring, and avoid the pitfalls of resume fraud.

By staying true to our mission of providing valuable insights, we empower you to navigate the job market confidently. Let us embark on this journey together, making the job search process informative and enjoyable.