Employee Background Checks

Many job applicants look ideal on paper with their resumes loaded with the exact experience you require. These candidates interview like pros and win interviewers over with their broad smiles. They say exactly what the organization wants to hear, even if they’re lying through their teeth.

Many candidates get away with it, as employers fail to do the required due diligence and checks. By the time the lies surface, it’s too late, and it costs the company time and money while affecting morale among your existing team members.

According to Background Hawk, the correct background checks can quickly caution you about a candidate’s criminal history and credit report.

Benefits of Background Checks

Once the applicant has signed the background check consent form, a properly conducted background check can commence. This enables the organization to:

  • Make informed hiring decisions by providing comprehensive information.
  • Reduce risk in the workplace by examining the criminal background of the candidate to prevent workplace violence.
  • Verify candidate certifications, education, experience and identity. 
  • Reduces the risk of  lawsuits and negligent hiring claims as an employer. This happens when an employer should have been aware, through due diligence, that an employee was a serious hiring risk. 

There are different types of background screenings available. Selecting the correct combination depends on the industry and organizational needs. 

Types of Employment Background Checks 

Identity Verification

It’s essential to ensure that the candidate is using their identity and not a stolen one. Identity verification background checks enable employers to confirm that the applicant is who they claim to be.

These identity checks verify many information points such as name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, initial fraud, and active-duty fraud alerts.

Criminal Background Checks

Astute employers run criminal checks as part of the recruitment process. This is particularly important when the vacancy allows access to sensitive financial information, security responsibilities, and proximity to exposed populations, such as the elderly or children.

Employee background checks mostly include federal, state, and county arrest records, court records, sex offenses, incarceration convictions of misdemeanors and felonies, warrants, records, acquitted, pending, and dismissed charges. 

Credit Background Checks

A credit check reveals reported tax liens, debt issues, poor credit, and other money issues that suggest irresponsibility with money. Vacancies requiring a security clearance, access to finances, and sensitive client and company information typically require a credit background check.

A credit check could highlight individuals that pose a higher risk for fraud and other crimes, especially for prospective candidates applying for financial positions or roles that handle confidential information.

Candidates must have the opportunity to explain negative credit report information. 

MVR Reports

Any employer who requires employees to drive company cars or transport clients or customers should check motor vehicle records to identify safe, responsible drivers. 

Professional License and Education Background Checks

When hiring for a vacancy requiring specific levels of education or licensure, conduct a license and education check on candidates. Verify all formal qualifications and professional licenses reported by candidates with the issuing institutions. 

Fingerprint Background Checks

Candidates for vacancies handling sensitive customers, dealing with security clearances, or company information should undergo a fingerprint background check. Fingerprint data is collected by the FBI and stored in the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System.

E-Verify Background Checks

This check verifies the candidate’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to verify that they’re authorized to work in America. 

In a Nutshell

Employers can lose a lot of time and money by neglecting to conduct the required check of current and prospective employees. Organizations can avoid taking undue risks and benefit from conducting background checks on potential new hires.

Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay