When it comes to resumes, most job seekers know that honesty is the best policy. Never say you graduated from college when you didn’t or make a job last a year longer than it really did. But the verification process many employers use for resumes can trip up even workers who aren’t trying to fool anyone. All it takes is a little carelessness, a poor memory of what happened eight years ago, or the acquisition of a former employer to turn a resume into a liability.

Many companies hire outside background checkers to verify resumes and job applications. These companies note every inconsistency and piece of information they can’t confirm — even the difference between starting a job on April 1 and April 5 — although some problems are treated more seriously than others by employers.

Here are some tips to creating a resume that won’t raise red flags — issues that could slow down the offer process or even, in an extreme case, scuttle a potential offer:

If you’re not sure, don’t guess. If you can’t remember for certain when you left a position, call the company and ask. The same goes for your salary history, which generally doesn’t go on a resume but you might be asked for on an application.

If a previous employer was bought by another company, it could make it harder for a background checker to verify your employment (although background checkers do have access to databases that sometimes contain this information). Clarify the situation in a short note on your resume: Note the new owner in parentheses after the listing.

Be careful with titles and temp work. At some companies, employees use a title on their business cards, for example, that is different from the one on file with human resources. If the title your HR department uses for your position is very different from the job title normally applied to a particular job, it may help to list both titles on your resume or job application.

Also, if you worked at a well-known company through a temporary agency, make sure you note on your resume and application that you were employed by the agency. The well-known company will likely have no record of your employment. Don’t obsess over it. If, despite your best efforts, the background checkers can’t confirm one of your past jobs, it may not be a problem. This doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be turned down for the job.

And if you’re unemployed and haven’t done so already, by all means – file for unemployment.

Image taken on 2010-01-25 09:28:37. Image Source. (Used with permission)