Showing posts with label education verification. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education verification. Show all posts

Monday, February 6, 2023

How do Employers Verify a Degree?

Do you know exactly how, and more importantly why, employers verify their applicants’ degree, graduation, or other education?

This question was recently posted on a popular Q & A site and we decided to weigh in…

“How do employers check for degrees?”

“Verifying a degree / graduation is one of the easiest and most basic things checked by most employers. The best source for this information is to contact the university / school directly. Most records are held by either the Registrar department or, especially in the case of high schools, in the Guidance or Student Records department. If your only need is to verify the degree, and not a person’s full academic record, it is sometimes possible to verify that verbally. There are times when the information needs to be faxed or mailed and they will then require a nominal fee. 

However, if more in depth information is needed, or the institution has contracted with an outside verification service, you will have to follow that service’s steps in order to get the information you need. Oftentimes these services will require a fee to access the information and sometimes a signed release from the subject of the search is also needed (which you should always obtain before any background check anyway). No matter the method, verifying any degree, graduation, or professional certificate claimed by an applicant is key to making a sound hiring decision. Not only will it help assess their training, knowledge, and qualifications, it will also go a long way towards verifying an applicant’s honesty ~ and that is a goal of any good background check.”

You can find more answers to this question here!

Verifying an applicant’s education is a great first step in evaluating any prospective employee ~ and a good employer understands this.

Hiring someone who lies about their education or training can pose numerous problems for any business. 

It can lead to having an employee who is unqualified for the job. Or, if and when that lie is discovered, it can tarnish a company’s reputation with their clients, customers, and other businesses. 

Doing a simple Education verification check solves these problems.

“Education is one of the most frequently embellished ~ face it, lied about ~ items on a resume. The lie can range from the type of degree earned to whether a degree was even earned at all.

And if having a degree, especially a specific degree, is necessary to the job you are hiring for, then making sure your applicant indeed fills that requirement is good business.

For some jobs, having a degree may not be necessary. In that case companies are more concerned that their applicants have at least earned their high school diplomas or a GED.

Either way, it is important that you take the time to verify that the education listed by your applicant is true.

It should be the first step in making sure they have the training your position needs”.

Find out more about why businesses need to verify an applicant’s education and what they will find in “Hiring? Why You need to verify their Degree First”!

It is clear that doing an education verification before making any new hire is in a company’s best interests. But it is equally as important for anyone looking for a job to realize that any resume lie can, and often will, come back to haunt them.

Those lies can not only keep you from getting hired in the first place, but when discovered, can lead to getting fired and ruining your reputation.

Anyone looking for a job needs to be aware that Background Checks are the norm, not the exception.

“Be assured, employers are checking. Verifying the information on your resume is common practice and part of most company’s hiring processes. Investigating your education, past employments, and skills top the list. 

It is time to take note ~when your resume lies are uncovered during the hiring process, you lose.  

And, if discovered later, you could face not only the embarrassment of getting fired, but also the possibility of public humiliation”.

When it comes to Resume Lies that will keep you from getting hired or can result in you being fired, “lying about your degree or skills tops the list”. 

Employers fear hiring someone who is unable or unsafe to do the job. That is why it is important that at least the basic skills and training you list are truthful.

Lying on your resume is seen as a mark against your honesty. 

Employers want to hire someone they can trust. If their first impression of you is one of deception, then your chances of getting hired are slim

Discover more about the dangers of lying on your resume in “Employers Share ~ Lie on your Resume and You Lose!".

So, whether you are an employer looking to make a new hire or an applicant hoping to land the perfect new job, checking an applicant’s qualifications first should always be part of the process. Preparing for this important step long beforehand is the key.

Are you ready or do you have any questions? Contact API Today, we are here to help!


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Monday, June 26, 2017

Online Degrees ~ What You need to Know Now!


More and more people are going back to school. They are looking for ways to capitalize on the favorable job market and get the skills and training needed to land a better, higher paying job. And many are pursuing this goal online! But before you take the leap, there are things you need to consider.....
Are Online Degrees Valid?
This question was asked on Quora.com, a popular question and answer site, and it shows how the whole subject of online degrees is one of confusion and concern.

Some are skeptical of anything done solely "online". While others question how academically sound getting a degree online can be. Then there are proponents of online learning that applaud the accessibility and flexibility that allow many who, without online options, would be unable to pursue a degree.

Now is the time that new graduates are making decisions about their futures. There are also a good number of those already employed who are considering a job upgrade or career change. For many, getting their degree online seems to make sense.

People choose to go to school online for many reasons. There are those that want or need to hold a job while going to school. Others may have families and taking classes during non-traditional hours is appealing. 

And the COVID-19 pandemic has made the idea of online learning more popular than ever!

But instead of jumping right in, this is when you need to really take the time and do some research!

The truth is, not all online degrees are created equal. Just as there are good and bad when it comes to traditional colleges and universities, the same can be said of those that are online.

That is why before you commit to any online school, it pays to Do Your Homework!

Do Your Homework Before Pursuing an Online Degree!"Tweet This"

Your best tactic in making sure the institution you choose is legitimate and will meet your needs is to ask yourself these 3 questions first.

3 Questions to Ask before You enroll for courses or pursue your degree online:

Will Your Online Degree come from an Accredited Institution?
You should only consider schools who have met the strict standards it takes to achieve accreditation. Otherwise, your degree may not be worth the paper it is printed on. Employers will give weight to a school's reputation and quality.  

Will Your Online Degree be Easy to Verify?
Making it difficult for potential employers to verify your degree is counterproductive. A credible institution will have an easy-to-find phone number, or other contact information, making it simple to validate your education information. To make it even easier, be sure to include this contact information in your application or resume. Your potential employer, and any background check company they hire, will thank you! 

Does the Online Program Fit Your Career Goals?
Only those schools that can give you the skills necessary to achieve your career goals should be considered. Otherwise, you are wasting your time and money. This advice fits if you are choosing a traditional university too! 

Find out more about what to look for in an online university, and how online learning can even be beneficial, in Warning, Check for these 3 Criteria Before You Pursue Your Online Degree!


So, what should you takeaway when it comes to Online Degrees?
Do your homework and make sure that your online degree will be worth the time and money you spend on achieving it!

Now, to get back to the original question, "Are Online Degrees Valid?", here is the answer we posted:

"I will answer this question from the perspective of someone who does employment background checks for a living ~ online degrees can be problematic. When trying to verify them, I have consistently run into problems. No clear cut person or department to contact. Trouble finding a valid contact phone number. When verifiers run into these kinds of problems, it is not only frustrating for them, but also for the employer. Then there is also the question of accreditation. Bottom line ~ not all online universities are created equal. However, those online courses and degrees that are linked to a traditional “brick and mortar” school are easy to verify and carry with them a weight of credibility that is not questioned." To see this answer, and those of others, to this question on Quora.com, click here!

That is why it is crucial that you take the time needed to do your homework. Only then can you be assured that the degree you earn online will work for you, not against you!

What Do You Think? Pay it Forward and Share your opinions and experiences with getting a degree online!

For tips and resources to help you in your Job Search, visit our Background Investigation & Applicant Services page!



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Sunday, March 6, 2016

Hiring? Why You Need to Verify their Degree First!

Imagine this….
A dean of a highly respected university for 28 years, who claimed to have both a bachelor’s and master’s, is suddenly found to have no degree at all.

Or how about a newly hired university head football coach that never received the master’s degree he claimed, and in fact never even earned a bachelor’s. 

Well, you don’t have to imagine this happening. Both are true! (Source1)

The first was a dean at MIT who, in 2007, resigned from the university when her deception was finally uncovered.

The second was hired by Notre Dame to coach their legendary football team. The coach had also claimed to have been a standout player himself before it was discovered that he had never even played in a single game.

Both stories ended up in the news and brought a large amount of unwanted publicity to their employers.

And while someone you hire who lies about their education might not make national news like these examples did, it can still pose numerous problems for your company.

It can lead to you hiring someone unqualified for the job.  Or, when discovered, can tarnish your companies reputation with your clients and peers.

But it didn’t have to be that way for MIT and Notre Dame, and it definitely doesn’t have to be that way for You and Your Small Business.

A simple Education verification check was all it would have taken to uncover the truth.
The Top Resume Lie? Education! 
“Tweet This”
Education is one of the most frequently embellished ~ face it, lied about ~ items on a resume. The lie can range from the type of degree earned to whether a degree was even earned at all.

And if having a degree, especially a specific degree, is necessary to the job you are hiring for, then making sure your applicant indeed fills that requirement is good business.

For some jobs, having a degree may not be necessary. In that case companies are more concerned that their applicants have at least earned their high school diplomas or a GED.

Either way, it is important that you take the time to verify that the education listed by your applicant is true.

It should be the first step in making sure they have the training your position needs

Knowing exactly what your job requires first is key. That is where a good job description comes in.  
Taking the time to really think about the skills, education, and experience it takes to do the job well is important. Once you know this, you can be much more clear about the criteria your applicant must fill.


Once you have determined the education needed, then you have to take the next step and verify that any applicant you take beyond the interview level absolutely has that level of education.

This ensures you are considering only the candidates who fit the bill.

Another benefit to verifying your applicant’s education is that, if true, it can go a long way towards developing a favorable impression of them and determining whether or not they are honest.


It is also important that you understand what doing an education verification entails.
Most often, this check simply involves verifying whether a degree was earned, what type of degree it was, and when it was awardedLess often an employer may request an actual transcript. The transcript would include classes taken and grades earned.

Both types of verifications require that the applicant signs a release, which is recommended per EEOC and FCRA guidelines in any background check. This ensures that your applicant understands a background check is being done and agrees to the release of any information during the scope of the check.

Most times, before any information can be obtained, a copy of this signed release must be provided to the source agency.  This is because graduation and degree information is not public record.

It used to be that degree verifications were done through the institution’s registrar’s or guidance offices. Now most colleges and universities use an outside agency to verify degrees. There are even some high schools who use a verifying warehouse. Doing this saves them from hiring extra personnel to handle these verification requests.  

Some verification results are instantaneous upon receipt of the request, signed release, and payment of an access fee. The amount of this fee varies.

Other requests require additional time. This can be due to incomplete records from the school, making it necessary to contact them directly. It can also be from inaccurate information supplied by your applicant. Other factors can be a glitch in the system, errors in entering the information into the database, or if you are trying to verify older records. 

When ready, results will either show the degree as listed being earned, and will supply date and type of degree, or that the degree could not be verified.

If a degree is not verified, it can be for a few possible reasons ~ 
  • an error (from school or verifying institution), 
  • any unpaid school fees (library fees, unpaid balances, etc.) 
  • or, the worst case scenario, that your applicant lied on their resume.
If the degree is not verified, you need to make no hiring decision until you:
  • Notify your applicant of the negative results
  • Give Your Applicant a chance to explain or dispute the results
If your applicant believes the results are in error, always 
recommend they contact the school directly to get an explanation.

Only after you have completed the above actions, and get any additional information the applicant may have concerning their degree, should you make your employment decision.

Even then, you must notify your applicant in writing of what you decide. Remember, it is in your best interest to document the entire process.

There is no doubt about it, verifying your applicant’s education information makes sense.  It costs you very little time and money, but can save you from the problems and embarrassment of making a bad hire.
It is simply Good Business!


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Source1:  People Publicly Shamed for Lying on Their Resumes


Sunday, June 21, 2015

3 Things to Check before You choose an Online University!


Thinking of earning a degree online? Then there are things you need to consider first!
While earning a degree online is more prevalent than ever before, there are still some prejudices about their validity. Some employers and HR/Screening Professionals are concerned that an education earned solely online doesn't carry the same weight as one earned in the "traditional" way. That is why it becomes vital that when picking an online university that you choose wisely!

Your Online Degree is equal to a "traditional" degree!  “Tweet This”

The reality is, if it wasn’t for the availability of online classes, many would be unable to pursue a degree at all.  

The high cost of education makes it necessary for some to hold down a full time or at least a part time job in order to pay for it. Online classes offer these students the only viable option to fit it all in.

There are also times when other responsibilities, like having a spouse or children, can make it hard to fit traditionally scheduled classes into their lives. Even the commute both to and from school can be a challenge.

And in the time of a pandemic, choosing to attend a university online may be the safest way to go!
Due to business closures, lay-offs, and cut-backs, many adults have either lost their jobs or see little hope of being recalled. And even if they do go back to their previous employer, they may be facing decreased hours or less favorable schedules. These factors may lead them to consider a career change.

Choosing to go back to school is often a great option for gaining new skills, brushing up on existing ones, or even exploring new fields. Online classes are perfect for these “non-traditional” students.

For these types of students, the flexibility of earning an Online Degree shines.  

Despite the obvious plusses of earning a degree online, there still exists the question of whether they are really as good as a more traditional degree. And worries that they are not respected by employers are not completely unfounded. 

The bottom line is, not all Online Degrees are created equal.

This is where being diligent and doing your homework before you apply to any online university is crucial. Finding an online university that fills these 3 Criteria is key. 
  

Thinking of applying to an Online University? 3 Questions You need to Ask Now!

Is your choice of school an Accredited Institution?
This is Number One for a reason. Where you get your online degree matters. Only fully accredited institutions carry the weight necessary to garner respect and get you the job you want.

Before applying, you should be absolutely certain to verify (ideally through the department of education) that your school has been accredited. If not, don’t apply.  

Only schools that are accredited have successfully fulfilled all the strict standards necessary to earn that status. They have been evaluated on their mission and goals, admission requirements, education quality, faculty, and student services. They are also subject to peer review for renewal of that status.

Going to an accredited school protects students and graduates. Students know that they are attending a reputable school. Graduates have earned a degree from a respected institution that can lead to better employment opportunities. 

Accredited schools carry with them a measure of credibility and a stronger reputation.

These same benefits apply to an accredited online degree. And it should not matter whether you earn your degree from a solely online institution or one that is attached to an existing “brick and mortar” school.

Your school being accredited is what matters. In our experience, most employers do not focus on how you earned your degree (online or not). What is important, however, is the university’s reputation and quality. Being accredited goes a long way towards establishing this.

That is why doing your research before applying will save you from problems later.

Will your Online Degree be Easy to Verify?
If your online degree is difficult to verify, it can be frustrating to employers, background check providers, and even to you.  When you apply for a job, often the first impression you make is through your resume. Having information that is easy to verify is a great start to impressing your potential employer. Discover more about Making Your Resume “Background Check Ready” here.

Before you enroll in any online university, make sure there is an easy way to contact them online and by phone. Ideally, there should be a dedicated Registrar, or equivalent, that will handle verification and transcript requests.  

Attempting to validate a degree where there is no clear contact information to be found causes problems. In fact, employers may simply move on to another candidate when this occurs.  

After all your hard work, losing a job because of this makes no sense. Once again, do your homework before you apply! 


#ResumeTips

Does your Online University Fit Your Goals?
No matter what kind of degree you pursue, whether it is online or traditional, make sure that the school you choose specializes in programs that will help you to reach your goals.  

Just being a good school is not enough. You need to know that when you graduate, you will have the strong skills you need to get the job you want.  

This is even more important to non-traditional students who are often older and more focused on what they want to achieve in earning a degree. Meeting those goals should be your ultimate priority.

This is really what employers are looking for. They want to hire candidates that bring with them the initiative and dedication it takes to earn a degree and the knowledge and skills necessary to excel at their job.  

That is why graduating with a degree that helps get you there makes sense.

Did you know that according to a U.S. Department of Education study, online education can actually be more effective than "face-to-face" learning, especially at the college level?

In “Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies”, it was discovered that; 

1) Distance higher education is more effective and than traditional face-to-face learning; 

2) Distance higher education combined with some traditional learning (blended or hybrid learning) is the most effective; 

3) Face-to-face learning alone is the least effective method among the three types studied.

In addition, online education can often take a higher level of motivation and discipline than traditional education. Having to work on a degree in addition to meeting your “real-life responsibilities” is hard. Being successful at it should be respected.

The truth is, Online Education is not a thing of the future. It is the reality of the world we live in. More and more of our lives are “online”, from our work to our personal lives, so why wouldn’t education follow suit?   
As long as it is from an accredited institution, Your Online Degree counts and, if you do your homework, it will be given the same respect as any other degree earned. You can learn more about the validity of Online Degrees in "Online Degrees ~ What You need to Know Now!".
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