Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling access, of an employer, to verified credentials associated with a candidate during a recruitment process, such that the employer is protected from accessing the verified credential prior to delivery of the offer of employment. In some example embodiments, a confirmation is received indicating that the candidate has provided authorization that permits access of an employer to a verified credential associated with the candidate. Access of the employer to the verified credential is prevented until after a digital employment offer is verified and communicated to the candidate. After having communicated the digital offer of employment to the candidate, access of the employer to the verified credential is permitted. In some example embodiments, the authorization of access of the employer to the verified credential is stored as a variable in a smart contract of a distributed ledger.