5 Key Pieces of Background Check Information Needed by Employers
As a company owner, manager, or part of the HR department, it’s your responsibility to find the best candidates for the job. You want to make sure that the employees you hire have the right skills, experience, and attitude for the position. A background check is a crucial part of the hiring process that helps you learn more about the history of the applicant, such as their criminal record, education, and employment background. Here are five key pieces of background check information that employers need to know.
1. Criminal History Records
The first and most important aspect of any background check is the criminal history records. This information gives employers a comprehensive look at the applicant’s criminal history, including any convictions, misdemeanors, or felonies they may have. Criminal records can be obtained from state and federal sources, such as state and county courts, sex offender registries, and the FBI criminal report database. Criminal history records should be used to ensure that the applicant does not have any history of violence, fraud, embezzlement, or other behavior that could compromise the safety of your workplace.
2. Educational Verification
The next part of the background check is educational verification. Employers want to make sure that the applicant has the required education for the job, whether it’s a high school diploma, college degree, or specialized certification. Employers can check the applicant’s education through transcripts, diplomas, and other educational records. This information can also help identify any discrepancies or false claims made by the applicant on their resume.
3. Employment Verification
Another critical part of the background check is employment verification. Employers want to make sure that the applicant has the experience and skills required for the job. Employment verification involves contacting the applicant’s previous employers to verify their employment dates, job titles, and job responsibilities. Employment verification helps employers identify any discrepancies or false claims made by the applicant on their resume.
4. Credit History
For some jobs, employers may want to check the applicant’s credit history. Credit history can be obtained from credit reports and is used to evaluate an applicant’s financial responsibility. For example, a financial institution or a company dealing with money may require a credit check because it wants to ensure that the applicant has a responsible history with their own financial obligations. Employers must follow specific rules and regulations when checking an applicant’s credit history.
5. Social Media and Internet Searches
Employers may also check the applicant’s social media profiles and conduct internet searches to learn more about their online presence. Social media and internet searches can be used to evaluate an applicant’s professionalism, behavior, and judgment. Employers must be careful when using social media and internet searches since this information may be unreliable and could create bias.
Conclusion
In summary, background checks are crucial for employers when hiring employees. They help employers identify any potential red flags and make informed decisions about the applicant’s suitability for the job. Criminal history records, educational verification, employment verification, credit history, and social media and internet searches are five key pieces of background check information that employers need to know. Employers should follow all applicable laws and regulations when conducting background checks and always obtain written consent from the applicant before starting the investigation.
