The Importance of Background Checks: Unveiling the Secrets of Employment Screening

When it comes to hiring employees, one of the crucial steps in the recruitment process is a background check. Whether it's a small business owner or a major corporation, the importance of background checks cannot be overstated. In this article, we will delve into the science of background checks, how they work, and why they are essential.

What is a Background Check?

In layman's terms, a background check is a kind of screening process that employers conduct to understand a candidate's past and verify the information provided by them. A background check can include criminal records, education, job history, credit history, character references, and more. The primary goal of a background check is to ensure that the candidate has the necessary qualifications and does not have a criminal history that would make them unfit or unsuitable for the job.

The Science of Background Checks

The process of a background check involves using various sources of information to create a profile of the candidate. The sources include public records, credit history, employment history, educational institutions, and references. An employer can conduct a background check in-house, but most of them utilise the services of third-party companies specialising in employment screening. These companies have access to specialised databases that can provide comprehensive information about a person.

To start the process, the employer obtains the candidate's written consent and specific details such as full legal name, date of birth, and social security number. This information is then used to search databases and compile a report.

Different Types of Background Checks

There are different types of background checks, and the type an employer chooses depends on the job requirements. Some of these include the following:

Criminal Background Check – The criminal background check searches for a candidate's criminal history. It includes information such as arrests, convictions, and pending cases. Depending on the job's nature, employers might request a more comprehensive search, such as a federal criminal background check, which would include records from all jurisdictions.

Credit Check – A credit check is usually requested for jobs that require access to sensitive financial information. It examines a candidate's credit history, including bankruptcies, late payments, and credit score. It is used to assess the candidate's level of financial responsibility.

Educational Verification – This type of background check verifies a candidate's educational qualifications. It checks whether the educational institution mentioned exists, the candidate studied there, and the degree awarded.

Employment Verification – Employment verification confirms a candidate's previous work experience and job title. It checks whether the candidate has provided accurate job history and whether there are any discrepancies.

Why Are Background Checks Essential?

Employers carry out background checks for several reasons. Some of the primary reasons include:

Prevent Employee Fraud – Background checks are carried out to identify potential scammers, identity thieves, or those with a history of fraud. This information helps the employer to identify any red flags before making the hiring decision.

Maintain Safe Workplace – Background checks help businesses to maintain a safe workplace by ensuring that they hire people with a suitable history for the job. For example, a business that works with children might conduct a criminal background check to identify potential sex offenders.

Legal Compliance – Some industries require background checks by law. For instance, schools and healthcare providers must ensure that their employees don't have criminal backgrounds, and employers must comply with applicable state and federal regulations as they relate to background screens.

Avoid Negligent Hiring – Negligent hiring occurs when an employer hires a person who is unfit to perform their job duties, resulting in harm to another employee or a customer. Background checks can help businesses avoid this by reducing the risk of hiring someone with a problematic history.

Conclusion

As modern society continues to evolve, so does employment screening. With the surge in remote working or working from home because of the pandemic, the importance of background checks for businesses has become more critical than ever before. By conducting comprehensive background checks, employers can ensure that they are hiring candidates who will help to make their business successful while maintaining a safe and secure workplace for all.