How To Identify The Top 7 Resume Lies: A Guide for Childcare Employers
As a childcare employer, you understand the importance of hiring qualified and trustworthy individuals to care for the children in your facility. However, with the rise of online job applications and resume submissions, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction. In this post, we’ll explore the top 7 resume lies that childcare employers should be aware of, and provide tips on identifying them.
Lie #1: Exaggerated Work Experience
Many job applicants may exaggerate their work experience to make themselves appear more qualified. As a childcare employer, you may come across resumes that claim extensive experience in early childhood education. Still, upon further investigation, you discover that the applicant has only worked in a daycare setting for a few months.
How to identify: Verify the applicant’s work experience by contacting their previous employers and asking specific questions about their job duties and responsibilities.
Lie #2: Inflated Education and Certifications
Some applicants may claim to have degrees or certifications that they don’t possess. This can be particularly concerning in the childcare industry, where education and certifications are crucial for providing high-quality care.
How to identify: Verify the applicant’s education and certifications by contacting their alma mater or the issuing organization. You can also check for any discrepancies in their resume or online profiles.
Lie #3: Falsified Job Titles and Responsibilities
Applicants may embellish their job titles and responsibilities to make themselves appear more qualified for the position. For example, they may claim to have been a preschool director when in reality they were only a teacher’s assistant.
How to identify: Look for inconsistencies in the applicant’s job titles and responsibilities. Ask specific questions during the interview process to clarify their role and responsibilities in previous positions.
Lie #4: Omitting Relevant Information
Some applicants may omit relevant information, such as gaps in employment or previous terminations, to make themselves appear more attractive to potential employers.
How to identify: Conduct thorough reference checks and ask specific questions about the applicant’s employment history. Look for any inconsistencies in their resume or online profiles.
Lie #5: Misrepresenting Skills and Abilities
Applicants may claim to have skills or abilities that they don’t possess. This can be particularly concerning in the childcare industry, where specific skills and abilities are required to provide high-quality care.
How to identify: Ask specific questions during the interview process to assess the applicant’s skills and abilities. You can also conduct skills assessments or provide scenario-based questions to evaluate their abilities.
Lie #6: Falsifying References
Some applicants may provide fake references or ask friends or family members to pose as previous employers.
How to identify: Verify the applicant’s references by contacting them directly and asking specific questions about the applicant’s job performance and responsibilities. Look for any inconsistencies in their responses.
Lie #7: Misrepresenting Availability
Applicants may claim to be available to start work immediately when in reality they have other commitments or restrictions.
How to identify: Ask specific questions during the interview process about the applicant’s availability and any restrictions they may have. Verify their availability by contacting their previous employers or references.
Conclusion
Identifying resume lies can be a challenging task, but childcare employers must ensure that they’re hiring qualified and trustworthy individuals to care for the children in their facility. By being aware of the top 7 resume lies and taking steps to verify the information provided, you can make informed hiring decisions and build a team of dedicated and qualified early childhood educators.
If you’re a childcare employer looking to hire qualified and trustworthy individuals, consider partnering with a staffing agency that specializes in early childhood education. Our team of experts can help you identify top talent and verify their qualifications, ensuring that you’re making informed hiring decisions for your facility.
