Background Investigation Services: Red Flags to Watch for in Background Investigations

When conducting background investigations, it is important not to take any information at face value. Job applicants and others routinely embellish—if not outright misrepresent—their qualifications and capabilities. For example, the following are all red flags that additional background investigation services may be necessary or that it may simply be time to move on.

5 Common Issues During Background Investigations

1. “Minor” Embellishments

Often, we start having concerns about a candidate when we uncover relatively minor embellishments on the candidate’s resume, curriculum vitae (CV), online profile, or application. While slightly overstating the importance of a candidate’s prior role or inflating a candidate’s subjective qualifications might not be so much of an issue on its own, these types of issues raise a critical question: Where does it stop?

One embellishment will often lead to another, and before you know it, there will be significant concerns about a candidate’s credibility. If you can’t trust someone to tell the truth, you most likely don’t want them to be a part of your organization.

2. Half-Truths and Other Omissions

Half-truths and other omissions raise similar concerns. If someone isn’t telling the whole truth, there is usually a reason why. While there might be a valid explanation as to why someone has omitted material information from a resume, CV, profile, or application, there also might be a very good reason that the candidate is hoping won’t come to light.

3. References or Companies You Can’t Contact

If a candidate provides references you can’t contact, this may also be a red flag. The same is true if a candidate claims to have worked for a company that is no longer in business. Here, too, while this might simply be a matter of circumstance, there is also a very good chance that either (i) the “references” have been told not to pick up the phone or (ii) the candidate’s prior work experience isn’t what he or she claims.

4. References or Companies That Don’t Exist

Another major red flag is when a candidate provides references or lists prior employers that don’t exist. Unfortunately, several companies provide fake reference services for those who need them. These companies will even go so far as to create fake profiles and websites so that references and prior employers appear to be real when you research them online. But, when you investigate further, you discover you are being scammed.  

5. Bad Credit, Substance Abuse and Other Issues

Finally, issues like bad credit and substance abuse can be red flags during background investigations as well. Even though these might not be directly related to a candidate’s qualifications, they can nonetheless shed light on potential reliability or reputational concerns.

Inquire About Our Background Investigation Services

If you need professional and comprehensive background investigation services, we invite you to contact us. We have decades of experience and provide our services nationwide. Call 888-406-0149 or contact us online to get started today.