We often get questions from clients asking what should be included in the background check. This article from JDSUPRA nicely summarizes factors that should be considered. We have included R&A comments where we think are appropriate. This is a summary. We encourage you to read the article in its entirety.
With so many candidates vying for attention – and so much competition for the best one – how can you ensure you’re making the right choice? A thorough background check for employers makes the process easier. It not only helps protect your business but also fosters a safer work environment.
Let’s dive into what makes an effective background check for employers.
What Is the Best Background Check for Employers?
The best background check for an employer balances two things:
- Thoroughness [R&A Comment – this of course also includes balancing thoroughness with your budget for this activity.]
- Compliance
It should encompass many things, including:
- Criminal history
- Employment verification
- Education checks
- Drug testing
- And more
Using a reliable service that offers customizable options is a great start. It ensures you gather accurate information tailored to your needs and follow compliance laws. [ R&A Comment – We invite you to contact us and find out how we can help.]
Background checks for employment are essential tools used by employers for a few reasons:
- To verify a candidate’s history and qualifications.
- To help ensure that potential hires meet the company’s standards.
- To enhance workplace safety and integrity.
Benefits of Running Business Background Checks:
- Promotes a safer workplace by identifying potential risks.
- Make better informed hiring decisions. This reduces turnover rates and protects the company’s reputation.
- Safety At Work: The majority of workers (81%) say their physical safety is extremely important to them, but only 58% think their physical safety is extremely important to their employer, according to AlertMedia.
What Are the Best Background Checks for Employers?
- Conducting effective background checks requires a systematic approach.
- However, missing an important check can be detrimental.
- Social Security verification
- Social Security verification is a crucial step in the background check process.
- It confirms a candidate’s identity and employment eligibility. This will help to prevent identity fraud and ensure you hire those who can legally work.
- It can also confirm information when you go to fill out form I-9.
Criminal Background Check
- A criminal background check reveals an individual’s criminal history, helping employers assess risks. It typically includes felony and misdemeanor records. [R&A Comment – An employer should assure criminal convictions used to deny employment are in compliance with EEOC regulations].
- This check is vital for positions involving trust, safety, or security.
Drug Testing
- Drug testing is an essential component of background checks for employers.
- It helps ensure a safe workplace and promotes productivity. [R&A Comment – Employees using drugs illegally are proven to have more accidents and miss work more frequently.] Different methods, such as urine or saliva tests, can be employed.
- Establishing a clear drug policy [R&A Comment – which should be signed by all employees.] It also fosters transparency and sets expectations for candidates. States and industries have different rules, so you need to be careful – especially for drugs like marijuana.
Credit Check
- A credit check evaluates a candidate’s financial history. It reveals their responsibility with debt, and payment patterns. While useful for certain roles, it’s essential to comply with regulations. Ensure the relevance of this information to the position.
Employment History
- Verifying employment history is crucial for employers. It confirms candidates have the experience they claim, the dates worked and their job responsibilities.
- A thorough check reveals gaps in employment and previous job performance.
Motor Vehicle Record
- A motor vehicle record (MVR) reveals a candidate’s driving history, including accidents, violations, and license status.
Education Verification
- Education verification ensures candidates possess the degrees and credentials they claim. By verifying education, employers can avoid hiring individuals with inflated qualifications, fostering a more trustworthy and competent workforce in the long run. [R&A Comment – Education is the most prevalent discrepancy with an almost 30% rate of falsification.]
What Else Does The Best Software For Background Checks For Employers Do?
- The best software for background checks doesn’t just run background checks. It becomes part of your hiring process! [R&A Comment – And, like our software, helps you comply with applicable law.]
It Helps You Establish Clear Policies
- Establishing clear policies [R&A Comment – This includes a background check policy.] around background checks is essential for transparency. It informs candidates about what to expect during the process.
It Enhances Your Hiring Practices
- Enhancing hiring practices involves thorough pre-employment background checks. Employers should be aware of red flags and establish clean criteria.
- Social media checks can also provide insights, while understanding industry standards ensures a comprehensive hiring approach that protects the company’s interests. [R&A Comment – We have a blog post here that discusses FCRA compliance with using social media.]
A thorough background check not only protects your business but also fosters a safer work environment for everyone involved. Prioritizing this aspect will lead to better hires and long-term success in your organization.
James P. Randisi, President of Randisi & Associates, Inc., has been helping employers protect their clients, workforce and reputation through implementation of employment screening and drug testing programs since 1999. This post does not constitute legal advice. Randisi & Associates, Inc. is not a law firm. Always contact competent employment legal counsel. To learn more about the rights of employees who test positive for marijuana, Mr. Randisi can be contacted by phone at 410.494.0232 or Email: info@randisiandassociates.com or the website at randisiandassociates.com
