EmployeeScreenIQ recently released a list of 10 top background screening trends for 2010.  A few of these stand out for entry level candidates.  The first, and probably most obvious one for college grads, is the use of social networking:

Greater hiring controversies due to social networking. Social networking has exploded in popularity and changed America’s culture. A recent CareerBuilder study found one in five employers used social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to influence hiring decisions. However, many sites have no verification process and several can be edited by anyone with access to the Internet. Sites such as YouTube and MySpace have few content requirements, and nearly all sites allow users to make up a profile in someone else’s name. At risk are FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) regulations and EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) guidelines.

With tough economic times there comes increased competition for the remaining jobs. EmployeeScreenIQ sees a rise in resume falsification as well:

As job seekers become more desperate to regain employment, resume falsification and diploma mills will increase in use. As the recession triggers an increase in overall crime, employers will see sharp increases in false information from job applicants as well as applicants with criminal records. EmployeeScreenIQ’s newest verification study finds that approximately 50 percent of resumes have some kind of inconsistency. The study also found that approximately 17 percent of background checks conducted by the company identify some kind of criminal activity.

The key is to remain honest.  Although EmployeeScreenIQ thinks less companies will be able to run complete background checks due to budget cuts, but false information always has a way of getting out.  Lying doesn’t help anything.  Also covered at the site is use of credit reports and discrimination.

Originally posted on Cheezhead