Background screening is a process of reviewing an individual’s financial, criminal, and commercial records. It allows an employer to determine whether a prospective employee is trustworthy and capable of fulfilling responsibilities. It also verifies an applicant’s claims about their financial burden. Background screening companies use thousands of employees and spend millions of dollars to help ensure this. Read on to learn more about the importance of background screening. Below is a description of the process.
It is a process of reviewing an individual’s commercial, criminal and financial records.
Many firms use employee background screening to determine the legitimacy of applicants and employees. However, some states have different laws and do not permit questions about an applicant’s past arrests. Moreover, a background check can only be used in specific jobs. Finally, state anti-discrimination laws can complicate the background screening process, prohibiting many practices that firms regularly practice.
Employers must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and assure applicants that they will not discriminate. Commercial background screening websites offer specific searches for employers. A legitimate background check agency will ensure compliance throughout the screening process.
It helps employers determine if a potential employee is trustworthy.
There are many reasons to perform a background check on a prospective employee. First, it is helpful as a safety net, as it enables employers to avoid hiring someone who may be untrustworthy. Criminal convictions, for example, can give employers pause. While many employers are not quick to disqualify applicants based on a criminal conviction, most employers will at least allow the candidate to explain their background before making an employment decision.
A background screening program can send a signal to prospective employees and applicants alike. Employees and applicants will feel more comfortable with a position when they know that a company does not tolerate illegal activity, and they will feel more comfortable with a job. Additionally, it lets the public and customers know that the company values productivity and safety. Some organizations have drug-free workplace policies to protect themselves from employee theft. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nearly two million workplace violence incidents occur annually.
It helps verify an applicant’s claims.
Pre-employment screening includes a criminal background check, employment history verification, professional reference, and drug or competency checks. It helps employers verify an applicant’s claim of qualifications before making an offer. This screening also helps prevent fraudulent claims. It takes two to three business days to complete, depending on the services utilized. Background screening is essential to ensure an applicant has no criminal records or other issues that could affect the company’s reputation.
It verifies an applicant’s financial responsibility.
In addition to checking the candidate’s credentials, some companies do credit checks for managerial and banking positions. The screening results can provide insights into the applicant’s spending habits, how they manage their bills, and even bankruptcy history. These checks are known as “soft inquiries,” which may help a company decide if an applicant is financially responsible. Again, these checks are known as “soft inquiries.”
It helps employers determine if an applicant meets the qualifications of the position.
Employers can conduct background screening to determine various facts about an applicant. For example, a person with a criminal record or poor credit history may not be a good fit for a position. Reference checks involve contacting former employers and educators to verify employment dates, job titles, salaries, and other information. This type of background check also helps an employer determine a person’s character and ability to work in the workplace.
The employee background screening includes criminal history checks, education verification, and employment history checks. Some background checks determine a person’s eligibility for specific jobs, such as nursing. The results can include information on prior employment, education, and licensing. For high-risk positions, employers may also check criminal histories. Similarly, sexual offender checks can reveal the candidate’s past sexual history.
