The reason for leaving a prior job is the information most frequently fabricated by job seekers, according to the Executive Recruiter Index (Part IV) released today by Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY), the world's leading provider of recruitment solutions.
When asked to select three types of information that are most frequently fabricated or obfuscated by executive candidates, the most popular responses by recruiters were: reasons for leaving prior jobs (69%), results/accomplishments (68%) and job responsibilities (45%).
"Sometimes candidates are uncomfortable about having been laid off or let go from a previous job," said Robert A. Damon, President, North America for Korn/Ferry. "But rather than obfuscate or alter the reasons for leaving, it''s always best to be straightforward about the situation -- the reality is that downsizing and restructuring have lost much of their stigma and are becoming more generally accepted by employers."
Additionally, the survey looked at what kinds of due diligence clients are asking for in candidate background checks. Education verification (83%), employment verification (77%) and criminal/arrest history (35%) ranked as the top three areas where employers are requesting background checks. Other types of checks being done are personal credit history (26%), drug testing (11%), and driving records (4%). Despite the recent proliferation of high-profile corporate scandals, the survey found that r sum fabrication among white-collar executives does not appear to be dramatically growing.
About the Index
The Executive Recruiter Index is based on a global quarterly survey of more than 300 Korn/Ferry International consultants, who serve the world's largest corporations and non-profit organizations. This survey was conducted online within the Americas, Europe and Asia/Pacific between May 13 and 21, 2004.
Korn/Ferry International Executive Recruiter Index Questionnaire: Part IV
1. Is r sum fraud among white-collar executives increasing?
- I strongly believe so - 3.2%
- I somewhat believe so - 41.5%
- I somewhat disagree - 48.4%
- I strongly disagree - 6.9%
2. Which types of information are most frequently fabricated or exaggerated by executive candidates? Select three.
- Reasons for Leaving Prior Jobs - 68.7%
- Results/Accomplishments - 68.2%
- Job Responsibilities - 45.2%
- Compensation - 38.7%
- Education - 23.5%
- Dates of Employment - 20.3%
- Job Titles - 16.1%
- Age - 3.2%
- Other - 3.2%
3. In which of the following areas are clients most frequently requesting background checks? Select three.
- Education Verification - 82.5%
- Employment Verification - 77.4%
- Criminal or Arrest History - 34.6%
- Personal Credit History - 25.8%
- Other - 17.5%
- Drug Testing - 10.6%
- Driving Records - 3.7%
