CV verification guide

How to verify claims on a CV without overreaching

A missing search result is not proof that a candidate lied. Reliable checking separates what is plausible, what is publicly supported and what only the appropriate evidence holder can confirm.

Written and reviewed by the Another AI Lie Editorial Team · Last reviewed 8 September 2026

In brief: Break the CV into individual claims, check internal chronology, identify the proper evidence holder and record uncertainty. Use lawful, role-relevant checks and never infer character from an unresolved claim.

Separate existence, plausibility and verification

A company existing does not prove that a person worked there. A university offering a course does not prove that the applicant completed it. Public evidence can establish context, but personal employment and education records are often deliberately private.

Label each finding precisely: internally consistent, publicly supported, needs clarification, verified by the evidence holder, or unresolved. “Not found online” should never silently become “false”.

Turn the CV into checkable claims

List employer, job title, start and end dates, qualification, institution, award and measurable performance figure separately. A role may be real while a date or figure remains unverified. Check overlaps and gaps as questions for clarification, not accusations.

Numbers need definitions

Claims such as “increased sales by 40%” need a baseline, time period, scope and an authorised record or referee. Without those details the figure is unresolved, not contradicted.

Use the right evidence holder

Employment: the named employer or an authorised screening provider.
Qualifications: the institution, awarding body or a lawful credential service.
Professional status: the relevant regulator or current public register.
Awards: the named awarding organisation and its official archive.

Obtain consent where required, limit checks to the role and handle personal information under applicable data-protection and employment rules.

What AI-writing signals cannot tell you

Writing style cannot establish who prepared a CV, whether assistance was permitted, or whether the underlying achievements are genuine. Treat authorship and factual verification as separate questions. Verify the claims that matter rather than using fluency, formatting or a detector score as a proxy for honesty.

Record a fair conclusion

Keep the exact claim, evidence used, date checked, result and next action. Give the candidate a reasonable chance to explain ambiguity or supply appropriate evidence. Avoid collecting protected or irrelevant personal information and do not automate a suitability decision from these signals.

Further guidance

Try a CV claim check

Separate the claims before you verify them

Paste a short, anonymised extract. Remove names, contact details and other personal information first.