Checking Education Records

Educational credentials are frequently misrepresented on resumes and job applications, because many employers don't check educational references. It's important to do it, though, to make sure that the applicant has the qualifications and background you want.

Common problems are the applicants' saying that they have a degree that they don't have, saying that they graduated from a particular school when they may have only attended it for a short time, or saying that they have a degree in one field when they really have a degree in another field.

Verifying information. If an institution will not verify the applicant's information over the phone, use the sample letter for requesting educational records contained among the Business Tools. Don't forget to include a copy of the applicant's signed release.

Most colleges or universities will verify a job applicant's degree or dates of attendance, and many will do it over the phone. In many cases, you can also obtain a transcript if you follow the school's guidelines for releasing records.

You can also pre-screen an applicant's education by asking him or her to produce copies of diplomas or certified copies of transcripts.

If you've never heard of the institution, you might also want to check to see:

• what type of institution it is
• which degrees it awards
• if it is accredited