Hiring the right employees is one of the most important decisions a business can make. But what happens when a candidate isn't being completely truthful? From exaggerated résumés to undisclosed criminal backgrounds, even small omissions can lead to big problems for employers. This is where an employee investigation can help.

At National Business Investigations, Inc. (NBI), we specialize in helping companies verify information and uncover the facts through professional pre-employment investigations.

Red Flags That a Candidate May Not Be Truthful

While not every red flag means dishonesty, there are common warning signs worth taking seriously:

• Inconsistent Employment History: Gaps or overlapping dates on a résumé that don't add up.
• Vague or Overstated Job Descriptions: Inflating roles or responsibilities to appear more qualified.
• Missing References: Refusing to provide past supervisors or only offering personal contacts.
• Defensive Behavior in Interviews: Becoming evasive when asked detailed questions about past roles.
• Too-Good-to-Be-True Claims: Credentials, achievements, or titles that seem unrealistic without verification.

Why Investigations Are Essential

Relying on résumés alone can expose businesses to significant risks. Professional investigations provide a deeper level of clarity that standard HR checks often miss.

What an Investigation Can Uncover:

• Criminal Records: Identifying convictions that could pose risks to the workplace.
• Civil Litigation History: Discovering lawsuits involving fraud, theft, or breach of contract.
• Verification of Degrees & Certifications: Ensuring credentials are legitimate.
• Employment & Reference Verification: Confirming candidates actually held past positions.
• Financial & Credit Background: Spotting red flags for roles involving sensitive information or finances.

Why NBI Is the Right Partner

With more than 50 years of experience, NBI delivers accurate, court-ready results that HR teams and executives can trust. Our process is designed to be:

• ✅ Comprehensive - We go beyond surface-level checks.
• ✅ Discreet - Protecting both company image and candidate dignity.
• ✅ Fast & Reliable - Timely reports to keep your hiring process moving.
• ✅ Legally Compliant - All investigations follow state and federal laws.

Protect Your Business Before It's Too Late

A single bad hire can cost a company thousands of dollars, damage morale, or even lead to legal and reputational harm. By partnering with NBI, businesses can avoid costly mistakes and build teams with confidence.

👉 Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how pre-employment investigations can protect your organization.

NBI: Trusted for over 50 years to uncover the truth in business.

About the Author

Michael D. Julian is President of MPS Security & Protection and a 30-plus-year veteran of the security and investigations industry. He served as President of the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) from 2005 to 2015 and has led executive protection, residential security, and corporate investigations engagements for Fortune 500 principals, high-net-worth families, and public figures across the United States. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.