What you need to know to make informed hiring decisions
For business owners and hiring managers, performing a pre-employment background check on job candidates affords them the opportunity gain valuable insight into who this person is and weed out those candidates who are not who they say there are. The use of background checks is on the rise in many companies across the country because they can save organizations money and time by ensuring they don’t hire the wrong people. If your company is considering implementing background checks in your hiring process, here’s a look at what kind of information you can expect to get:
Identity check
In years past, getting the driver’s license and/or social security number of a candidate was considered enough to prove their identity but today, that’s just not the case. Consider the many cases of identity theft that occur every day, including those who’ve had their tax refund stolen simply because someone else filed a tax return using their social security number. By running a background check, you can get verification of the identity of the job seeker and get any aliases, their maiden name and proof that their social security number, driver’s license and date of birth check out.
Education and employment history
Sadly, it is not uncommon for people to fudge information on their resumes. It happens all the time and even if you call their references, often the job seeker has someone they know who will verify the false information they’ve provided. Running a background check can help expose those who are being less than honest on their employment history and their educational background. Things like degrees earned, licenses, certifications, work experience and salary information are revealed during a background check.
Credit history
While federal law prohibits employment discrimination of those who’ve filed for bankruptcy, a background check will reveal such financial information along with mortgages, student loans, credit card, car payments, defaulted loans and late payments.
Criminal record
Even though most employment applications ask about previous criminal activity and arrests, running a background check can confirm or deny if your applicant has committed any crimes for which he/she was arrested and convicted including:
- Misdemeanors
- Sex crimes
- Felonies
- National arrests and court warrants
- Federal and state tax liens
- Federal and civil judgments
- Federal and state bankruptcies
- Age and date of birth
- Any alias’ and maiden names
Driving records
While most everyone has been ticketed for simple parking or driving violations, knowing your potential candidate’s driving record and vehicle registration information can give you a better view of how responsible and dependable they are. For example, if you run a business that relies on drivers, it’s important to know of any violations, tickets issued, court cases and appearances, DUI’s, suspensions or cancellations before you hire someone who may endanger your company.
Running a background check has become increasingly commonplace because they are a tool that can help company owners and hiring managers get an accurate view on the person that’s applying for the job and provide invaluable information that candidates often don’t disclose. Of course, it’s important to follow protocol, including informing the potential employee and getting their written consent. Contact us today for a complimentary review of your screening and selection process.