A Perfect Guideline For Employment Background Checks

Employment background checks are an essential part of the pre-employment screening process. They allow employers to confirm the validity of a prospective candidate’s criminal record, education and employment history.

In this article, we will discuss the process of doing employment background checks. We’ll also explain why they’re so important and what factors you should consider when looking into an employee’s or potential employee’s background.

According to a Global HR survey, 95% of employers conduct some form of background screening. Employment background checks continue to provide significant benefits to 84% of employers.

Conducting Background Checks: What You Need To Know

1. Develop a clear background check policy: It is important to create a clear policy that explains the types of background checks to be conducted, the purposes for which the checks will be used, and the process for evaluating information obtained from the background checks.

2. Determine which checks are necessary: Depending on the position, certain types of background checks may be necessary. It is important to decide which types of checks are necessary in order to make an informed decision about the candidate.

3. Obtain permission from the candidate: Before conducting a background check, employers must get written permission from the candidate. This is typically done through a background check authorization form.

4. Verify the accuracy of the information provided: It is important to verify the accuracy of the information provided in the background check. This includes validating addresses, education, and employment history.

5. Evaluate the results: Once the background check has been completed, it is important to evaluate the results and make decisions based on the information obtained. Depending on the position and the results, employers may choose to proceed with the hiring process or not.

6. Determine the scope of the background check: Before conducting a background check, it is important to determine the scope of the check. This includes the type of information you want to learn about a candidate, such as criminal records, employment history, educational background, and references.

Why Background Check Is Necessary 

The most common types of background checks employers use are criminal records (62%), credit reports (27%), and reference checks (25%). 

Additional types of background checks include drug tests, employment verification, professional license verification, and education verification. 

The survey also found that the most common reasons employers conduct background checks are to ensure the safety of employees, customers, and property (45%); to prevent theft or fraud (43%); and to assess a candidate’s character (37%).

The Importance Of Employment Background Check

An employment background check is an important step in the hiring process. It helps employers to make sure they are hiring the right person for the job. It can help to verify a job applicant’s identity, work history, education, and criminal history. 

This process can help to protect employers from hiring individuals who may not be the best fit for the job or who may present a risk to the company. 

Background checks can also help to ensure that a prospective employee is qualified for the job and has the necessary credentials to be a successful employee. 

In addition, background checks can be used to protect employers from any potential legal liability. They can also provide employers with valuable insight into a potential employee’s character, work ethic, and other important factors.

1. Understand why conducting employment background checks are important. An employment background check is an important tool for employers to assess the suitability of a job candidate.  

It can help employers to verify the accuracy of a candidate’s resume, uncover any past criminal activities, and verify the candidate’s educational and employment history. 

2. Establish a policy for conducting employee background checks and make sure it is in compliance with applicable laws. 

Before conducting a background check, employers should establish a policy and make sure that it is in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. 

3. Obtain written consent from the candidate. Before conducting an employment background check, employers must obtain written consent from the candidate. 

4. Verify the accuracy of the candidate’s resume. Employers should verify the accuracy of the candidate’s resume by checking references and verifying educational and employment history. 

5. Run a criminal background check. Employers should run a criminal background check on the candidate to uncover any past criminal activity. 

6. Check for any past adverse employment history. Employers should also check for any past adverse employment history to help assess the candidate’s suitability for the position.

7. Make an informed hiring decision After reviewing all the information gathered in the background check, employers may make an informed hiring decision based on the results. 

Employers should consider the applicant’s qualifications, experience and any potential concerns raised by the background check.

Tips For An Employment Background Checks 

1. Develop a comprehensive background check policy. Make sure this policy covers what types of background checks, if any, you will use and how you will use them. 

2. Follow all applicable laws and regulations. Make sure you are following all applicable federal, state, and local laws when conducting background checks. 

3. Obtain written permission. Get written permission from all applicants before you conduct a background check. 

4. Use a reputable third-party provider. Choose a reputable background check provider who specializes in providing background screenings and other services. 

5. Notify applicants. Inform applicants of the results of the background check and provide them with a copy of the report. 

Conclusion

Background check can provide valuable insight into a person’s past and present. While it is not a guarantee of trustworthiness, it can provide a more complete picture of a person’s character and help employers and other decision-makers make more informed decisions. 

Background checks should be used as part of any decision-making process and should be conducted in a thorough and responsible manner.

Background checks are an important part of the hiring process as they provide employers with the information needed to make informed hiring decisions. 

They can be used to verify a potential employee’s identity, work history, criminal history, and financial information. While background checks can be a time-consuming and expensive process, they are a necessary step for employers to take in order to ensure that they are hiring the right person for the job.

FAQs

1. Can I run a background check on myself?

Ans: Absolutely! SunBD offers a personal background check on yourself that verifies your identity, finds criminal records, and verifies your employment and education history. 

SunBD personal background checks deliver results from the same data sources as SunBD background checks run by employers, so you know you’re seeing what employers see.

2. How much does my personal background check cost?

Ans: Your personal background check pricing depends on the types of verifications and records searches you need. See pricing and options.

3. How long are background checks valid?

Ans: There is no law or rule to define background checks’ validity. Hence, employers need to decide the future validity and credibility of the employee verification themselves. 

The background check is valid until the next check happens. Typically, employers retain the background checks for selected candidates until termination and do continuous background screening updates.