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There are several different types of background checks employers can perform, depending on industry requirements. — Getty Images/ DragonImages

Your elevation candidate just nailed her chore interview. Her resume is impressive, instruction and employment history are exceptional, and personality and skills are the perfect fit for your company culture. She almost seems too good to be true -- and she just might exist.

Some applicants lie, embellish facts or hide their true histories to land the job. That'southward why background checks are of import for businesses looking to hire new employees.

According to a 2017 survey by Hour.com, 96% of employers behave at least one blazon of groundwork check. Failing to do so can exist detrimental to your company. You lot desire to confirm your potential workers are exactly who they say they are, and that any claims they've fabricated about their instruction, piece of work history and clean criminal record are verifiable.

There are many services that run background checks on potential employees, simply what really happens during the groundwork check procedure? What information tin you lot legally obtain, and what are a candidate's rights if you lot discover details that touch your employment conclusion?

Here'southward what your business needs to know almost running an employee background check. [For additional information on employee background checks, see our background cheque guide.]

What is included in a background cheque?

There are many types of reports you can select to verify your potential employees. Typically, employers start with employment groundwork checks, which are relatively extensive.

Employment background checks include a person'south work history, didactics, credit history, driving record, criminal record, medical history, apply of social media and drug screening.

If you notice whatsoever red flags in your initial check, yous tin can and so decide whether you want to order more specific reports. According to GoodHire, the most common types of groundwork checks, in addition to employment background checks, include:

  • Criminal background checks, which typically bank check for major criminal activeness, like tearing or sexual crimes, fraud, embezzlement or felony convictions.
  • Role of the Inspector General (OIG) background checks, which look for healthcare-related law-breaking history in candidates applying for jobs in federally-funded healthcare programs.
  • East-Verify background checks, which verify the employee'due south identity and employment eligibility.
  • Fingerprint background checks, which are mandatory for applicants at regime-run institutions and check a person's criminal history from authorized criminal justice agencies.
  • International groundwork checks, which provide access to international criminal records, teaching and employment verification for employees who lived, worked or studied in another country.
  • Credit background checks, which are typically used for applicants at financial positions and review the worker's credit report, including payment history, ceremonious judgments, tax liens, bankruptcies, unpaid bills in collections and recent credit inquiries.
  • Professional person licenses background checks, which simply verify that the applicant possesses a valid license.

The type of position for which you are hiring impacts the blazon of background checks you lot can and should run. For instance, authorities jobs or jobs that involve working with children may prompt deeper checks into a candidate's criminal and financial background.

The blazon of position for which you are hiring impacts the type of background checks you can and should run.

What are the laws surrounding employment groundwork checks?

Before running any groundwork cheque on your potential employees, y'all'll want to make sure y'all understand local employment laws to prevent any legal bug.

Employers are allowed to contact a candidate's previous employers to confirm whatsoever information on their resume or application, including positions held, chore responsibilities, and kickoff and end dates. However, every land has its own laws and restrictions almost what employers can and can't ask near a candidate (such every bit their salary history), so y'all should familiarize yourself with any specific regulations within your jurisdiction.

Additionally, when screening someone for employment, the service y'all use must adhere to The Off-white Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Essentially, this means you must conspicuously disembalm the fact that y'all are conducting a background check for employment purposes, comply with any candidate's request to review the results of the investigation, and agree that you volition not use whatsoever uncovered information to violate Equal Employment Opportunity laws. More information on your responsibilities as an employer can be found here.

What sources tin I use for an employment background check?

While you lot can, and should, certainly conduct your ain research on a job candidate through search engines and social media websites, this information alone is not a substitute for a proper background bank check.

A full-service background check company can be institute through the National Clan of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) website, to ensure a visitor is compliant with FCRA and BBB-accredited.

Beware of whatever gratuitous or do-it-yourself search services, as most do non fit the FCRA guidelines and are therefore likely illegal.

CO— does not review or recommend products or services. For more than information on choosing the best background check services, visit our friends at business.com.

CO— aims to bring yous inspiration from leading respected experts. Nonetheless, earlier making any business organization determination, you should consult a professional who tin propose yous based on your individual situation.

To stay on top of all the news impacting your small business, go here for all of our latest pocket-sized business news and updates.

CO—is committed to helping y'all outset, run and grow your small business. Learn more virtually the benefits of small business organisation membership in the U.Southward. Chamber of Commerce, here.

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Published Apr 02, 2019