Verification of work history is a standard component of pre-employment screening. This process typically involves contacting previous employers to confirm dates of employment, job titles, and sometimes, performance evaluations. For example, a prospective employer might contact a listed reference to verify that an applicant worked as a Project Manager from January 2020 to December 2022.
Thorough vetting of applicants provides employers with valuable insights into a candidate’s suitability for a role. It helps mitigate risks associated with negligent hiring and ensures a better match between the candidate’s experience and the job requirements. Historically, reliance on applicant-provided information was common. However, the growing need for more robust risk management and the increasing accessibility of information have made rigorous employment history verification a cornerstone of modern hiring practices.