Most HR Pros Struggle to Spot Fake Candidate Info—Here’s How to Fix That
Despite advances in AI and automation, a growing challenge is starting to slip through the cracks of the hiring process: fake or misleading candidate information.
A recent Equifax survey of over 250 HR professionals reveals that 71% have encountered resumes or applications containing false or exaggerated claims, most commonly related to employment history, education, and credentials. Yet, only 1 in 5 HR pros feel “very confident” in their ability to detect it.
That’s a major red flag…because a bad hire doesn’t just waste time, it can cost companies thousands.
HR Knows There’s a Problem—But Struggles With the Tools
Technology should be making things easier, but for many HR teams, it’s still a work in progress. Half of HR professionals say using technology to automate workflows is a top challenge, even as 76% report they’re already using AI to improve hiring and onboarding efficiency.
And while automation is helping improve speed-to-hire and streamline tasks, the data suggests there’s still room for improvement—only 12% say they consistently hire quickly, and 83% see gaps in their onboarding process.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Job seekers are under pressure…and some are turning to AI tools or outright fabrication to improve their chances. That means employers can no longer rely solely on gut instinct or resume polish.
"Employers may think they’ve found a well-qualified candidate," said Bart Lautenbach of Equifax Workforce Solutions, "only to learn after a background check that the person was significantly exaggerating."
What Employers Can Do About It
To help ensure a better quality hire and protect your business from costly mistakes, here are a few quick strategies:
Use automated verifications. Employment and education verification tools can catch red flags early, before the offer is made.
Don’t skip background checks. Even with a tight hiring timeline, taking this step reduces risk and helps ensure compliance.
Prioritize data-backed decisions. Equifax research shows a strong link between a candidate’s past job tenure and their future likelihood of sticking around—use that insight to inform your hiring.
Invest in the right HR tech. From resume screening to onboarding paperwork, automation can free up your team to focus on people, not paperwork.
Train your teams to spot red flags. Don’t assume AI will catch everything. Equip hiring managers with interview techniques that uncover inconsistencies.
As candidate deception becomes more sophisticated, HR teams need to get sharper, faster, and more data-driven. With the right tools and checks in place, you can streamline your process and protect your business from bad hires.
Need help building a smarter hiring strategy? We can help. Let’s talk about how to combine technology with trusted processes to create a more secure, efficient hiring experience.