The purpose of a background check for employment is to verify the information provided by the candidate and to identify any potential red flags that may make them unsuitable for the job.
Background checks can be a valuable tool for employers in making hiring decisions.
They can help to identify candidates who may be a risk to the company or its employees.
However, it is important to note that background checks are not a perfect solution.
They can only reveal information that is publicly available. Additionally, some people may have criminal records that have been expunged or sealed, which means that they will not show up on a background check.
That’s why we have aligned some of the factors that are included in a background check for employment to ensure that you use them in conjunction with other factors, such as interviews and reference checks, to get a complete picture of a candidate.
What’s A Background Check For Employment?
A background check for employment is a process in which an employer verifies the information that a job candidate has provided on their resume, application, or during an interview.
It can include things like a criminal records check, a credit history check, a driving records check, and a variety of other checks.
The goal is to verify that the candidate is being honest and truthful about their qualifications, and to make sure that they don’t have any red flags in their background that could affect their ability to do the job.
How Do Employers Run A Background Check For Employment?
Employers typically run background checks for employment by using a third-party background check companies like Sterling Background Check and Hireright Background Check.
These companies specialize in collecting and verifying information about job applicants.
To run a background check, the employer will typically need to provide the background check company with the candidate’s name, Social Security number, and date of birth.
The background check company will then use this information to search public records and other databases for information about the candidate.
Once the background check is complete, the background check company will provide the employer with a report that summarizes the information that was collected.
The employer will then review the report and decide whether or not to hire the candidate.
Employers are required to comply with all applicable laws and regulations when conducting background checks.
For example, in the United States, employers are prohibited from discriminating against candidates based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
Additionally, employers are required to provide candidates with a copy of the background check report and an opportunity to dispute any inaccurate information.
Why Do Employers Conduct Background Checks?
Employers conduct background checks for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:
- To protect the safety of employees and customers
- To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- To ensure that candidates are qualified for the job
- To identify any potential liabilities.
Note: Employers must obtain a candidate’s written consent before conducting a background check.
The consent form should clearly state what information will be collected and how it will be used.
What Do Employers Look For In A Background Check
All of the background checks that are listed here are important to consider when making a hiring decision.
- Criminal history search
- Employment verification
- Education verification
- Reference checks
- Credit check
- Social media check
- Driving record check
- Professional license and certifications check
- Social security number trace/identity check
- Global sanctions check
- Civil offenses check
- Bankruptcy check
- Financial regulations check
- Psychometric tests
- International background check
Here is a more detailed explanation of what employers look for in a background check for each one:
1. Criminal History Search
This type of background check looks for any criminal convictions or arrests on the candidate’s record.
Employers may choose to conduct a criminal history search for all positions, or they may only do so for certain positions, such as those that involve working with children or vulnerable adults.
2. Employment Verification
This type of background check contacts the candidate’s previous employers to verify their employment history.
Employers may want to do this to ensure that the candidate has actually worked at the jobs they claim to have worked at, and to get feedback on their performance and work ethic.
3. Education Verification
This type of background check contacts the candidate’s educational institutions to verify their degrees and diplomas. Employers may want to do this to ensure that the candidate has the necessary qualifications for the job.
4. Reference Checks
This type of background check involves contacting the candidate’s references to get feedback on their skills, work ethic, and character. Employers may want to do this to get a more complete picture of the candidate.
5. Credit Check
This type of background check for employment reviews the candidate’s credit report. Employers may want to do this to assess the candidate’s financial responsibility.
However, it is important to note that a credit check is not always a reliable indicator of a person’s job performance.
6. Social Media Check
This type of background check reviews the candidate’s social media profiles. Employers may want to do this to look for any red flags, such as offensive or discriminatory posts.
However, it is important to note that social media checks can be controversial, and some people believe that they are an invasion of privacy.
7. Driving Record Check
This type of background check reviews the candidate’s driving record. Employers may want to do this for positions that involve driving, such as delivery drivers or truck drivers.
8. Professional Licenses And Certifications Check
This type of background check verifies that the candidate has the necessary professional licenses and certifications for the job. Employers may want to do this for positions that require a specific license or certification, such as nurses or doctors.
9. Social Security Number Trace/Identity Check
This type of background check verifies the candidate’s social security number and identity. Employers may want to do this to prevent fraud and identity theft.
10. Global Sanctions Check
This type of background check checks for any global sanctions against the candidate. Employers may want to do this if the position involves working with international clients or businesses.
11. Civil Offenses Check
This type of background check looks for any civil offenses on the candidate’s record, such as lawsuits or bankruptcies. Employers may want to do this to assess the candidate’s risk to the company.
12. Bankruptcy Check
This type of background check checks for any bankruptcies on the candidate’s record. Employers may want to do this to assess the candidate’s financial responsibility.
However, it is important to note that a bankruptcy does not necessarily mean that the person is not a good employee.
13. Financial Regulations Check
A financial regulations check is a background check that is conducted to verify that an individual has complied with all applicable financial regulations.
This type of background check for employment is often required for individuals who are applying for jobs in the financial services industry, such as banks, investment firms, and insurance companies.
A financial regulations check may include a review of the individual’s employment history, credit history, and any public records related to financial misconduct.
14. Psychometric Tests
Psychometric tests are a type of assessment that is used to measure an individual’s cognitive abilities, personality traits, and emotional intelligence.
Psychometric tests are often used in the hiring process to assess whether a candidate is a good fit for the job and the company culture.
15. International Background Check
An international background check is a background check that is conducted to verify an individual’s identity, employment history, and criminal record in multiple countries.
This type of check is often required for individuals who are applying for jobs that involve international travel or work with international clients.
An international background check may include a review of the individual’s passport, visa, and work permit information.
The check may also include a review of the individual’s employment history and criminal record in each country where they have lived or worked.
Whichever background check for employment you choose to conduct will depend on the specific job and the needs of your company.
It is important to weigh the benefits of each background check against the potential risks, such as privacy concerns and cost.
How To Prepare For These Background Checks For Employment?
If you are facing any of these background checks, there are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Be honest and upfront about your work history and criminal record on your job application.
- Be prepared to explain any discrepancies or gaps in your work history.
- Provide references from previous employers and colleagues who can speak to your skills and work ethic.
- If you have a criminal record, be prepared to explain the circumstances of your conviction and how you have changed since then.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of passing these background check for employment and getting the job you want.
Conclusion To Background Check For Employment
Background checks can be a valuable tool for employers in making hiring decisions.
Therefore, Job applicants who are facing a background check should be honest and upfront about their work history and criminal record on their job application.
They should also be prepared to explain any discrepancies or gaps in their work history.
Additionally, they should provide references from previous employers and colleagues who can speak to their skills and work ethic.