Background Checks: An Overview
Background checks are increasingly becoming a common practice in various sectors of the economy, including employment and housing. A background check is a comprehensive review of an individual’s past activities to verify their identity, criminal records, credit history, employment history, education level, and other relevant information.
Employers use background checks to screen job applicants before making hiring decisions. Landlords also use background checks to approve or deny rental applications. Additionally, financial institutions conduct these investigations before approving loans or issuing credit cards.
The rise of technology has made it easier for employers and landlords to access vast databases with individuals’ personal information. However, this convenience raises concerns about privacy violations and potential inaccuracies in the data collected.
Types of Background Checks
1. Criminal Records Check
Criminal records checks are one of the most common types of background checks conducted by employers. This investigation aims to reveal any criminal convictions in an applicant’s past and can include local state or federal searches.
2. Credit History Check
A credit history check is usually required when applying for jobs in finance or positions that involve handling money such as accounting roles. The employer will request a copy of your credit report from one or more major credit bureaus like Equifax or Experian.
3. Employment Verification Check
An employment verification check ensures that the candidate’s work experience matches what was listed on their resume/application form (including dates employed). It may also include contacting previous supervisors for references.
4.Education Verification Check
An education verification check confirms that the applicant has obtained degrees/certifications listed on their application documents from accredited institutions.
5.Drug Testing
Drug testing involves screening candidates for illegal drug use through urinalysis/blood tests before offering them a job offer/approval for lease agreement .
Benefits Of Background Checks
1.Reduced Risks
Hiring employees with criminal backgrounds could put other employees at risk along with customers/clients; background checks help to reduce this risk by identifying potential danger.
2. Improved Quality of New Hires
Background checks ensure that employers hire individuals with the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications required for the job. By verifying education and employment history, for example, it helps to avoid hiring unqualified candidates.
3. Protecting Employers From Negligent Hiring Claims
Negligent hiring claims arise when an employer hires someone who subsequently causes harm to another employee or customer/client due to their criminal history or other factors that should have been identified in a background check.
4. Enhancing Company Reputation
Employers can demonstrate their commitment to creating a safe workplace environment by conducting thorough background checks on all employees. This can increase public trust in the company and enhance its reputation.
The Drawbacks Of Background Checks
1.Potential Legal Issues
An applicant may claim that they were discriminated against based on information discovered during a background check, resulting in legal disputes and costly lawsuits.
2.Inaccurate Information
Background checks may contain inaccuracies that can result in qualified candidates being denied employment opportunities or rental applications.
3.Concerns About Privacy Violations
Applicants’ personal information is exposed during background checks which raises concerns about privacy violations especially if the data is misused/abused .
4.Delayed Hiring Process
Conducting thorough background checks takes time before issuing job offers/approvals of lease agreements; some applicants may lose interest while waiting.
Tips For Conducting Background Checks Effectively
1.Have Consent Forms Signed
Before beginning any investigations into an applicant’s past activities, make sure you obtain written consent from them first.
2.Use Trusted Sources To Obtain Information
Make sure you use reputable sources for obtaining information such as credit bureaus or government databases like FBI records instead of relying solely on online search engines which could be unreliable at times .
3.Consider Getting Help From Professionals
Consider getting assistance from professional background check service providers like HireRight, Sterling Talent Solutions or GoodHire to ensure accurate and comprehensive information is obtained.
4. Keep Records
Organize all the information gathered during a background check in a secure place as required by law for future reference purposes.
Conclusion
Background checks are an essential aspect of employment and housing processes because they help employers and landlords make informed decisions about potential hires/tenants. Conducting thorough investigations can minimize risks, protect against negligent hiring claims, and enhance company reputation. However, it’s critical to ensure that privacy violations do not occur while conducting these checks. Employers should also consider using professional services that guarantee accurate data collection and storage to avoid legal issues resulting from inaccurate information presented in reports.