If you’re an employer and you’re not familiar with the term “diploma mill“, you should be. Diploma mills are made-up educational institutions where individuals can essentially pay for a copy of a diploma that looks real. Thus, when they apply for jobs, they can say they have a BA, BS, MBA… even JD. Fortunately, background checks can and do ferret out such deceptions.
Don’t think you can simply “tell” who is apt to use a diploma mill, either; there are plenty of out-of-work men and women these days due to the economic downturn. And desperation can sometimes lead to unethical behavior. That’s one of the reasons that it’s absolutely critical for all potential employees to be expected to undergo a comprehensive background check.
Again, it’s just one more way that you can protect your employees, customers, vendors and, if applicable, volunteers from persons who should not be representing your business.
