In today’s job market, verifying degrees has become a big deal for employers. While not everyone checks degrees, more companies are taking degree verification seriously because of the rise of fake degrees. So how thoroughly do employers actually check degrees and why is this process important?
Fake degrees, often from diploma mills or unaccredited institutions, are everywhere. These organizations award degrees based on “life experience” or minimal coursework, so it’s easy for people to claim unearned education. One infamous example is Chester the dog who was awarded an MBA from a known diploma mill for a fee. While this sounds ridiculous, it shows how easy fake degrees can slip into professional resumes. Unsuspecting employers may encounter fraudulent credentials especially when diploma mills offer verification services that look legit at first.
Not all employers check educational credentials thoroughly. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that only about 34% of employers always check the degrees on resumes. That leaves a big chunk of job applicants’ credentials unchecked. When employers do verify degrees, they usually only check attendance dates or graduation status which may not even confirm if the institution is accredited. Without proper verification, people with fake degrees can slide through the hiring process undetected and harm the company’s reputation and operations.
Hiring someone with a fake degree is more than just a bad hire. Companies may face serious consequences including reputational damage, legal exposure and wasted resources. If an employee’s credentials turn out to be fraudulent especially in fields that require public trust or expertise it can be a PR crisis. Employers may also lose money through tuition reimbursement programs if an employee claims a fake degree as a legitimate educational expense. The cost of replacing such employees is why degree verification is important.
With the growing awareness of the risks of fake degrees, more employers are now verifying educational credentials. Background screening companies, professional verification services and accreditation checks are now part of the hiring process. By knowing how to spot diploma mills and unaccredited institutions, employers can protect themselves from fraudulent credentials. In a world where fake degrees can be bought online for a fraction of the cost of real education, due diligence is key to maintaining trust in the workplace.
So there you have it, while many employers still don’t check degrees, with the prevalence of fake degrees degree verification is a must. Be more watchful and use the right verification tools and you’ll hire qualified people with real credentials and a competent workforce.