Of course, you do a background check before hiring a new employee! Most employers recognize that learning about a job candidate’s past before hiring is a worthwhile investment. However, many HR managers and business owners are not fully informed about what their background checks do not include. There’s no industry standard for a background check, and no single source where you can learn everything you need to know about a candidate’s history.
Common Misconceptions About Background Checks
It’s not uncommon for me to hear, “Just tell me if Bob has a criminal record. I don’t care about the rest.” But determining this is not as straightforward as it may seem.
How far back should you search?
Will you search county by county for the past 10 years?
Should you include statewide repositories and private databases that aggregate records nationwide?
What about name changes? For instance, if Mary got married last year and changed her last name, would you catch a record under her previous name?
Federal court records: Charges filed by agencies like the FBI, IRS, or DEA won’t appear unless you specifically search federal court records.
Overlooked Areas of Screening
License Verifications and Driving Records
License verifications and driving records are essential for delivery drivers and outside salespeople but are often overlooked for office workers. If you ask Sally to deposit checks during her lunch break and she gets into an accident, your company could face liability if her license is suspended or her driving record is poor.
Social Media Screening
Chances are, you’re already checking candidates’ social media. However, the DIY approach can lead to serious trouble. It risks violating EEOC protected class rules and FCRA regulations. Outsourcing to a background screening company ensures:
Compliance with FCRA rules
Time savings
Actionable, filtered reports that redact information that cannot be used in hiring decisions
Protect Your Company and Employees
So, what’s in your background check? If you’re unsure, what you don’t know can hurt you! Here are actionable steps to ensure your checks are thorough:
Review Your Screening Packages: Contact your background screening company to review and customize your screening packages. Different positions carry different inherent risks, so a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t sufficient.
Understand What’s Included: Ensure your packages provide the information you need to assess trustworthiness, reliability, safety, and character.
Identify What’s Missing: Knowing what isn’t included is just as critical as knowing what is.
Thorough background checks protect your brand, your employees, and reduce turnover costs. Make sure your reports are giving you the full picture you need to make informed hiring decisions.
For more information or inquiries, reach out to Dave at Dave@saferplacesinc.com or visit saferplacesinc.com.
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