Employers these days like to know the backgrounds of employees when they want to hire them for a job. A background check involves evaluating the previous employment records, debts, credit scores, and other things of an employee. It allows companies to get insights about an employee in detail. Background checks are necessary for employers because they help to identify the right employees for a job. Moreover, they help determine whether a candidate will suit a job position in a company. Many companies partner with private agencies to perform the process with high accuracy.
What are the types of background checks to consider in the hiring process?
1. Criminal history check
A criminal history check allows a company to know whether a candidate is eligible to apply for a job. Organizations like to avoid candidates who have drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and other offenses. They can search for the data from government records online to know more details about them. In North Carolina, background checks conducted on potential hires may be subject to ban-the-box policies. This policy delays the disclosure of an applicant’s criminal history until later in the hiring process, allowing them to be evaluated based on their qualifications and skills before their criminal background is considered. Although this policy may be in place in some states, companies may still have a random drug test policy, especially if a new employee is still in a probation period.
2. Credit reports check
A company will check the credit reports of employees to evaluate whether they are defaulters or not. Companies give more importance to the credit scores of employees to know the types of loans and other things. Checking the social security number lets an employer track the financial information of individuals easily. Also, companies can make the right decision based on them.
3. Social media & internet check
Nowadays, many employees use social media for various purposes. However, employers should consider viewing their accounts and potential posts of employees. This is because some employees may misuse them which will bring trouble to the company. It is wise to check the social media & internet activities of employees in various ways.
4. Educational check
An educational check enables a company whether a candidate has the required qualification and skills. Companies should follow the fair labor standards act in educational checks because some positions classified as exempt need advanced education. They should ensure that they comply with the act while evaluating the educational qualifications of candidates.
5. Employment check
An employment check refers to verifying the authenticity of an employee’s job history with more attention. This is because some employees may include false information in their resumes while applying for a job. The objective of an employment check is to know the real identity of employees when they engage in fraudulent activities.
6. Professional qualification check
Some jobs in companies require professional qualifications such as certification, experience special training, and skills. A company should make sure that they check them as per the fair labor standards act while hiring candidates. Apart from this, it will help select the right candidates for a job position without any difficulties.
7. Social security number check
Sometimes, candidates may lie about their identity to get employment in a company. A simple tracking of their social security number will help them know whether the details are true or not. Another thing is that it gives ways to reject a candidate when the information is false.
8. Civil checks
A civil check allows a company to know whether a candidate has a civil lawsuit or not. It provides ways to prevent a business risk effectively to ensure smooth operations.
9. Right-to-work check
Hiring illegal immigrants for a job can lead to fines and penalties. Hence, a company should hire employees who don’t bring any business risk to the operations.
10. Reference check
A reference check is one of the background checks used by an employer to know the past performance of an employee. It helps a company to evaluate skills, achievements, work habits, abilities, character traits, and other things.
