A couple of days back the fake pilot scam rocked the nation. The scam, continues to uncover the depth of corruption in the hiring process and the fraudulent practices carried out by the job seekers to get their dream job. Below is a list of a few things we can learn from this scam.
1. Background checks are essential across all industry verticals: Currently background checks are usually more prevalent in IT, ITES (BPO), banking/financial, and telecom sectors. Background checks should be an inherent part of the hiring process across all industry verticals. If cost is a constraint then the employer should ask for a customized background check package and have the elements most critical to the job profile verified. Example: for a security guard job it is important that the applicant does not have any criminal record.
2. Background checks should be mandatory at all levels of hiring: Background check should be made mandatory irrespective of the position or the level the candidate is being hired into. A check at the entry level dispels the need for a background check at a later stage and prevents any loss of investment in terms of employee training.
3. Government bodies need to provide access to candidate information: It was difficult to carry out a detailed background check on the pilots involved in the scam due to the lack of access to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) database. The government needs to make a proactive effort to centralize and provide online access to individuals’ non-confidential information.
4. Background checks need to consider reputation of educational institute: In case of the fake pilot scam the educational certificates were doctored and validated by a dubious flying school. The background checks should mention the ranking or reputation of the institute that provides the degree and leave the final decision up to the discretion of the HR manager.
5. De-centralize hiring process: In most companies a few select people are responsible for making the hiring decision. De-centralizing the hiring process will decrease corruption, allow for a more thorough screening process and ensure that the right candidate gets the job.
6. Verification of educational certificates: Use of fake educational certificates is rampant. The background verification company needs to visit the educational institutes provided by the candidate, carry out a thorough check and report discrepancies, if any.
7. Recurring background checks required: Background checks must be carried out at regular intervals. This will allow validation of any additional qualifications that an employee submits for promotion purposes, allow checks to ensure all paperwork and licenses required for the job are in order and valid.
