Your company is on the verge of hiring a new employee. The candidate appears perfect on paper, aced the interviews, and is all set to join your team. However, there’s a critical step that could make or break this hiring decision – the background check.
They reveal essential information about a candidate’s history, helping you ensure that the person you’re bringing on board is exactly who they claims to be.
In this blog, we will shed light on what background checks are, why you need to prioritize them, and how you can conduct them in the best possible manner.
What are background checks?
A background check is a thorough investigation into a candidate’s past.
It involves scrutinizing various aspects of a candidate’s personal, professional, and even financial history. Ultimately, the checks ensure that such aspects align with what’s been presented by them.
While the depth of background checks can vary, the goal remains the same – to validate the information provided by the candidate and mitigate potential risks associated with hiring them.
6 types of background checks that are MUST for hiring!
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Criminal background check
A criminal background check is typically conducted in the later stages of the hiring process.
Its purpose is to identify any criminal history that may affect a candidate’s suitability for the role.
Employers want to ensure that candidates do not have convictions, pending charges, or arrests that could pose a risk to the organization.
This check is particularly crucial for positions involving access to sensitive information, working with vulnerable populations, or safety is a top priority.
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Employment verification
Employment verification confirms the accuracy of a candidate’s employment history.
This includes verifying job titles, dates of employment, reasons for leaving, and job responsibilities.
By conducting employment verification, employers can ensure that a candidate’s qualifications align with the job requirements.
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Education verification
Verifying the educational background confirms a candidate’s educational credentials, including degrees, certifications, and attendance dates.
This check ensures that candidates have the necessary educational qualifications for the role they are being considered for.
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Reference check
Reference checks are generally performed after initial interviews and when a job offer is likely.
They involve gathering insights from previous employers or colleagues about the candidate’s work ethic, skills, and interpersonal abilities.
Reference checks provide valuable information about how well a candidate may fit into the company’s culture and whether they are a good match for the role.
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Credit history check
Credit history checks are typically conducted for roles where financial responsibility is essential, such as banking or finance.
The aim is to review a candidate’s financial history, including credit scores, debts, and payment patterns.
It’s all about making sure they’re responsible and trustworthy when it comes to handling money.
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Social media and online presence check
They involve reviewing a candidate’s online presence, including social media profiles and public internet content.
While less formal than other checks, this type of screening can provide insights into a candidate’s character, values, and professional behavior.
5 reasons why you need to prioritize background checks
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Ensuring workplace safety
Imagine inviting someone into your home without knowing anything about them.
Background checks are like the first step in ensuring the safety and security of your workplace “home.” By uncovering any past criminal history or potential red flags, employers can protect their staff and customers from potential harm.
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Protecting company reputation
A single negative incident involving an employee can tarnish a company’s image, resulting in a loss of trust from clients, partners, and the public.
Comprehensive background checks act as a shield against reputation damage by revealing any potential red flags in a candidate’s past.
By prioritizing background checks, companies demonstrate their commitment to due diligence and ethical hiring practices. This commitment safeguards their reputation and signals to stakeholders that they take their responsibilities seriously.
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Informed hiring decisions
Employers are empowered to make decisions not solely based on an applicant’s resume and interview performance. The decisions are backed by a thorough evaluation of the candidates’ backgrounds.
This knowledge empowers organizations to assess whether an individual aligns with their company culture and values, has the necessary skills and qualifications, and poses no potential risks to workplace safety.
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Building a harmonious workplace
Knowing that the employer conducts thorough background checks can instill a sense of trust and confidence among existing employees.
It assures them that the company is committed to maintaining a safe and harmonious workplace.
When employees feel safe and are surrounded by colleagues with similar values and work ethics, their morale tends to be higher. This leads to increased job satisfaction and a more harmonious atmosphere.
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Legal compliance and avoiding fines
Legal compliance is non-negotiable for every business. Failure to adhere to employment laws and regulations can result in hefty fines, lawsuits, and damage to an organization’s finances and reputation.
Conducting background checks with strict adherence to relevant laws is a proactive measure to mitigate these risks. By doing so, companies ensure that their hiring practices align with legal requirements, reducing the likelihood of fines and legal troubles.
Moreover, it reflects the organization’s commitment to fair and ethical hiring, which promotes a positive image internally and externally.
Best background check sites to refer to NOW!
There’s nothing better than quick results and a global wide reach. First Advantage offers you that and much more!
It offers employers extensive screening, including criminal background, licenses and credentials, driving records, financials, social media accounts, and more.
Why use it?
- Offers international background checks
- Maximum results in less than 24 hours
- Provides post-employment criminal record monitoring
- Customised reports based on company requirements
- FCRA-compliant
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GoodHire
With the most detailed reporting among all background check services, GoodHire has acquired a leading position.
It offers access to federal, state, and global records, along with professional license verification and reference checks.
Why use it?
- It has a nationwide and international criminal database record
- Instant identify verification
- Monthly monitoring available
- US-based support by FCRA-certified reps
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Checkr
For employers who need to bulk-invite candidates, Checkr is ideal for you!
It offers all levels of checks that include SSN trace, sex offender registry, global watch list records, and national criminal records, along with general checks.
Why use it?
- Mass-invite candidates by email
- Easy-to-navigate user interface (UI)
- Custom pricing for companies performing over 300 checks a year
- Candidates can use mobile phones to complete forms, track the screening process, and contact support
- PAM technology for deciphering results
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Intelius
Compared to other best background check sites, Intelius provides the fastest results. You are presented with check reports in mere minutes.
It offers people search, reverse phone lookup, reverse address lookup, and other public record searches. Also, it offers multiple trial periods for you to take your time before committing to a monthly subscription.
Why use it?
- Multiple subscription plans to choose from
- Compiled report of data drawn from various public record sources
- Provides social network viewing
Your checklist for conducting adequate background checks
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Establish a clear policy
Start by developing a transparent background check policy. It must outline the types of checks required for different positions, the timing of checks (pre-employment or periodic), and the criteria for disqualification.
Having a well-documented policy ensures consistency in the screening process, reducing the risk of discrimination or bias.
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Obtain candidate consent
Always obtain written consent from candidates before conducting any background checks.
Explain the purpose of the checks, the types of information sought, and how the results will be used. Providing this information upfront demonstrates transparency and allows candidates to make informed decisions about their applications.
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Use a reputable provider
Choose a reputable background screening provider with experience in conducting checks in compliance with federal and state laws.
Also, consider their proven track record, industry accreditation, and data security and privacy commitment. A reliable provider can ensure the accuracy and legality of the information gathered.
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Limit information gathering
Focus your background checks on job-related information. Avoid asking for or considering information that could lead to discrimination, such as an applicant’s race, religion, or marital status.
This helps to minimize potential discrimination and ensures that you’re using the checks for their intended purpose.
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Prioritise confidentiality and data security
Ensure to limit access to background check results to only those who need the information to make informed hiring decisions. This means sharing results on a need-to-know basis and avoiding casual discussions about a candidate’s background. Also, there should be secure channels for communication, both digital and physical, to prevent unauthorized access.
Furthermore, when collaborating with third-party screening providers, it’s essential to ensure that their data security measures align with industry standards. Consistent
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Provide training to hiring managers and HR personnel
Equipping your HR staff and professionals with the proper training is essential to keep them updated with the latest rules and regulations.
Ethical behavior should be at the core of your training. It’s not just about what you can do; it’s about what you should do. Ensuring fairness, non-discrimination, and respect for candidates is essential.
Lastly, continuous learning should be encouraged. The world of background checks doesn’t stand still, nor should your HR team. By staying curious and open to new developments, they’ll always be at the forefront of this crucial aspect of the hiring process.
With the right background check sites, and the strategies, you are all set to conduct comprehensive background checks.
Take your workplace integrity and authenticity a step ahead!
