How an Impostor from 1865 Can Help Your Business Today
In 1854, British aristocrat Sir Roger Tichborne disappeared at sea while on a voyage from New York to Jamaica aboard the Bella. The vessel sunk off the coast of South America and all crew and passengers were presumed dead. But, his grieving mother, clinging to hope after receiving reports of survivors, cast a global net through newspaper ads that offered a reward for any sign of her son. Just over a decade later, in 1865, a man going by the name Tom Castro emerged from the Australian outback claiming to be the missing heir, explaining he was saved from the shipwreck and hardened by years as a butcher. Desperate for a miracle, Lady Tichborne embraced Castro as her long-lost Roger. But when Castro came forward to claim his supposed inheritance, other Tichborne relatives cried foul. Private eyes, wielding their power of investigation, unraveled inconsistencies in Castro’s tale. Notably, the “aristocrat” couldn’t speak a word of French, a language Roger fluently conversed in. Castro’s claim to the Tichborne fortune crumbled under the weight of these discrepancies. The ensuing legal battle, stretching across years, became one of the longest and most sensational trials in England’s history. Pre-dating fingerprints and DNA testing, the case divided the nation. Ordinary citizens, captivated by the drama, championed Castro as the rightful heir potentially robbed of his birthright. Despite public support, the “Tichborne Claimant,” as he became known, failed to provide convincing evidence. Found guilty of perjury in 1873, Castro spent a decade behind bars. Upon release, he wavered between confessing to his true identity for a payout and clinging to his fabricated persona. Ultimately, he died penniless in 1898, leaving behind a legacy of a captivating legal spectacle and a cautionary tale of lost identities and unwavering hope. Although this particular hoax occurred nearly 160 years ago, some things remain the same. People to this very day claim to be someone they’re not. They pad or embellish their resumes to get hired for positions they are not really qualified for. Unfortunately, their deception is uncovered only after they are brought on board as a new hire. Here’s a contemporary example. A financial planning firm hired a CPA and then touted the addition to all their clients. Weeks later, when asked to run some tax scenarios, the CPA couldn’t perform the task. It turned out that the person holding a CPA license never did any type of taxes. Rather, the individual previously worked in only a compliance role. Although the person used their CPA credentials to land the job, the employer never asked the right questions and merely assumed someone holding a CPA was a tax professional.How to Spot Embellishments on a Potential Employee Resume: 5 Things You Can Do to Avoid Making a Bad Hire
In today’s competitive job market, it is not uncommon for job applicants to stretch the truth or outright lie on their resumes. As a business owner, it’s important to know how to spot these embellishments to make the best hiring decisions for your company. So, let’s discuss some tips and strategies for identifying potential embellishments on a resume. Also, how to ensure that you hire the most qualified and honest candidates for your organization. Here’s what you need to do:- Look for inconsistencies. One of the first things to look for when reviewing a resume is any inconsistencies or discrepancies in the information provided. This could include things like gaps in employment history, unexplained changes in job titles or responsibilities, or discrepancies in dates or job descriptions. If you notice any inconsistencies, be sure to ask the candidate about them during the interview process.
- Check references. Another important step in the hiring process is to check the references provided by the candidate. This can help you verify the information on their resume and ensure that they have been truthful about their work history and experience. When speaking with references, ask specific questions about the candidate’s job responsibilities, achievements, and work ethic to get a better sense of their qualifications.
- Look for vague or generic language. When reviewing a resume, be on the lookout for vague or generic language that could be an indication of embellishment. For example, if a candidate claims to have “strong communication skills” or “excellent leadership abilities” without providing any specific examples or evidence to back up these claims, it could be a red flag. Ask the candidate to provide specific examples of how they have demonstrated these skills in their previous roles.
- Use online tools. Several online tools and resources can help you verify the information on a candidate’s resume. For instance, you can use a background check service to verify their employment history, education, and criminal record. You can also use social media and professional networking sites to learn more about the candidate and their work history.
- Trust your instincts. Finally, one of the best ways to spot embellishments on a resume is to trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you have any doubts about a candidate’s qualifications or experience, be sure to ask them for more information and clarification during the interview process.
Want to Accomplish More?
Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do?We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test.
You can call us for your free appointment at (602) 541-1760, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.
