How Often Do Employers Check Your Degree: Behind the Scenes
Have you ever wondered how often employers check your degree? The answer may surprise you, varying greatly based on the industry, company size, and the level of the position. Let's dive into the nuances of degree verification in the workplace.
Industry Standards
Certain industries are more stringent with degree verification due to regulatory requirements and the need for specialized knowledge. Finance, healthcare, and education are prime examples where employers are more likely to verify degrees. These industries may conduct background checks that include degree verification as part of their hiring process.
Company Policy
Larger companies and those with more formal hiring processes are more likely to conduct comprehensive background checks, often including degree verification. This is especially true in sectors where trust and accuracy are paramount.
Position Level
The type of position you apply for can also influence how often your degree is checked. Higher-level positions or roles that require specific qualifications are more likely to be scrutinized. Employers want to ensure that candidates possess the necessary skills and education to handle the responsibilities effectively.
For instance, in a finance company, an accountant with a specialized degree is a must. In contrast, at a pizza chain like Domino's, a college degree might not be a strict requirement. However, this can vary widely depending on the specific position and the company's hiring policies.
Red Flags and Discrepancies
Even in companies with less formal hiring processes, a candidate's background can trigger further checks. If a candidate has a less conventional educational background or if there are discrepancies in their resume, employers may be more likely to verify educational credentials. This is especially true if the job requires a high level of specialization or if the candidate is applying for a senior position.
Prevalence in the Job Market
Studies suggest that around 30-40% of employers conduct degree verification as part of their background checks. This can vary significantly by region and sector. For example, in tech companies, which often rely on qualifications for newer technologies, degree verification might be more common.
What Happens When a Check is Performed?
When you apply for a position, you might be required to submit your college transcript. This document lists your courses, grades, degree earned, and date of graduation. Upon being hired, some companies may also request that you show your diploma to be photocopied. This check usually only needs to be done once, as the information can be verified.
For many employers, especially in industries like journalism and academia, official college and graduate school transcripts are a necessity. These documents not only verify the degrees earned but also confirm the GPA as reported in your CV and résumé.
HR professionals often use third-party vendors to verify educational credentials. These vendors have access to powerful databases that verify your education, providing the name of the institution, the degree earned, the date it was conferred, and flagging any results from unaccredited universities. This automated process ensures accuracy and efficiency, which is crucial in many industries.
In conclusion, while not all employers will check degrees, a significant number do, especially for roles that require specific qualifications. Understanding the importance of degree verification can help you navigate the job market more effectively. Whether you're in a finance firm or a small business, be prepared to provide evidence of your education when applying for a position.