Hiring across borders opens your business to incredible talent—but it also introduces new layers of complexity. Verifying past employment isn’t as straightforward when candidates have worked in different countries, under different systems, and in different languages. That’s why international employment verification requires more than just a copy-paste of your domestic process. 

If your team is expanding globally—or simply hiring candidates with international experience—here’s how to approach verification the right way. 

Know What You're Looking For 

Before you begin, define what you actually need. Are you verifying recent employment? Industry-specific experience? Dates, titles, or reasons for leaving? Clarifying your goals keeps the process focused and avoids unnecessary delays. Not every role requires a full 10-year work history. Get clear on what matters most for this hire, and work from there. 

Understand Local Norms 

Employment practices vary widely by region. In some countries, employers are reluctant—or even legally restricted—from sharing details beyond basic confirmation of dates and job titles. In others, references may be provided informally, or in a different language altogether. 

Partnering with a provider that understands the local landscape can help you avoid missteps. What looks like a lack of information might actually be standard practice in that country. Context is everything. 

Use Trusted Sources 

International employment verification often involves reaching out to companies in different time zones, using unfamiliar communication channels. That’s not something most businesses can manage easily in-house. Working with a partner that has established networks, multilingual support, and experience navigating local regulations ensures the data you get is reliable and compliant. 

Get Clear Consent 

Before initiating any verification, always obtain the candidate’s written consent. This is especially important internationally, where privacy laws differ country to country. A good background screening partner will help ensure your process aligns with those regulations and that candidates are informed every step of the way. 

Build a Process That Scales 

If your business is growing internationally, your hiring processes need to keep up. Standardize your approach to employment verification across all candidates, with flexibility to adjust based on country-specific needs. This keeps your process efficient, fair, and consistent—no matter where you’re hiring. 

International hiring is an opportunity to bring new perspectives and experience to your team. With the right approach to employment verification, you can welcome global talent with confidence—knowing you’ve done your due diligence and built a foundation for long-term success.