One of the services employers retain us to provide is employment verification. This service is conducted to verify the accuracy of information that an applicant provided on a job application and/or resume submitted to an employer to ensure the applicant is trustworthy and has the experience needed for the specific position being sought. Applicants sometimes exaggerate or falsify employment information and salary history on applications or resumes to fool potential employers into thinking they are more than qualified for the job. We have specific processes and various types of methods that will verify dates of employment, position held, and salary (where available) directly from the applicant’s previous employers, including reasons for leaving, and eligibility for re-hire.

What if the job candidate is currently employed and they do not want the new employer to verify their current status until the new position is secured? This can be a predicament for both the employer and new hire, the latter wants to make sure they pass the background check, and have a job secured before notifying their current employer. While the new employer wants to verify current employment details to ensure the candidate is truthful and has the experience required to fill the new position. Consumer reporting agencies (CRA) should have a policy in place when verifying current employment for their clients. Best practice states that the candidate gives consent to the employer either on the employment application (by checking a box that states “yes” to contact or “no” to contact) or directly to the CRA (if they are completing an online disclosure and authorization).

An employer should never put a potential new hire in a compromising situation with their current employer. What can be done to verify current employment without having to contact the current employer? The employer can request pay stubs from the employee that will show what wage they are currently earning, their current position, and employment dates. Additionally, larger employers may utilize a third party verification system that automatically verifies current employment without contacting the current employer.