A previous Blog posting I wrote focused on Lying on Resumes (Lying on resumes), and one of the options to securing the truth, was an ironclad employment application. An employment application is the opportunity to ask targeted specific questions that may or may not be accounted for on the resume.
The biggest key to the application is to make sure they sign the application to be accurate. Remember applicants don't sign their resume, but often some additional verbiage on your application will dissuade any truth stretching.
A few helpful keys to employment applications:
1. Have a signature clause - with the outlining of complete and accurate information. Here is a clause we use on our own applications internally:
Complete and Accurate Information I hereby certify that I have not knowingly withheld any information that might adversely affect my chances for employment and that the answers given by me are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I further certify that I have personally completed this application. I understand that any omission or misstatement of material fact on this application, or any other document used to secure employment, shall be grounds for rejection of this application or for immediate discharge if I am employed, regardless of the time elapsed before discovery.
2. Education: A resume can detail the name and course of study an applicant pursued but not specifically state whether or not they received a degree. Ask that question specifically in your application. Ask whether or not a degree was achieved, what type: BS, BA, MA,MBA, and if legal in your state: what month and year did they receive that degree.
3. Background: Often as important as having a clean criminal record is not lying about any convictions. Now in almost all cases - you cannot ask if they were arrested prior, but you can ask if they were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. If yes - ask for more details on the application. Many times there may be what you deem low grade offenses or those not relevant to their job requirements, but it is important that the applicant discloses the complete truth as a matter of integrity.
4. Explain the application process: We explain to applicants, prior to starting the application, that it is vitally important they are accurate and truthful, and that non-disclosure of any material facts can be grounds for termination or rescinding of an offer.
The biggest key to the application is to make sure they sign the application to be accurate. Remember applicants don't sign their resume, but often some additional verbiage on your application will dissuade any truth stretching.
A few helpful keys to employment applications:
1. Have a signature clause - with the outlining of complete and accurate information. Here is a clause we use on our own applications internally:
Complete and Accurate Information I hereby certify that I have not knowingly withheld any information that might adversely affect my chances for employment and that the answers given by me are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I further certify that I have personally completed this application. I understand that any omission or misstatement of material fact on this application, or any other document used to secure employment, shall be grounds for rejection of this application or for immediate discharge if I am employed, regardless of the time elapsed before discovery.
2. Education: A resume can detail the name and course of study an applicant pursued but not specifically state whether or not they received a degree. Ask that question specifically in your application. Ask whether or not a degree was achieved, what type: BS, BA, MA,MBA, and if legal in your state: what month and year did they receive that degree.
3. Background: Often as important as having a clean criminal record is not lying about any convictions. Now in almost all cases - you cannot ask if they were arrested prior, but you can ask if they were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. If yes - ask for more details on the application. Many times there may be what you deem low grade offenses or those not relevant to their job requirements, but it is important that the applicant discloses the complete truth as a matter of integrity.
4. Explain the application process: We explain to applicants, prior to starting the application, that it is vitally important they are accurate and truthful, and that non-disclosure of any material facts can be grounds for termination or rescinding of an offer.
Remember - This document is meant only be a guide and not a legal document. For any questions and particular state to state guidelines please seek formal legal guidance from a competent attorney licensed in your state.
Gus Anderson, can be reached for further questions at 954 340-4599 x202 or via email at ganderson@affinitycgi.com.
Gus Anderson, can be reached for further questions at 954 340-4599 x202 or via email at ganderson@affinitycgi.com.
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