Hiring new employees is an essential part of running any business, but it can be a risky venture if the proper precautions aren’t taken. One of the most important steps to take is background verification—a process that involves verifying a person’s identity and assessing their past activities in order to make sure they are who they claim to be and suitable for the job. This article will explain why background verification is so important, as well as how employers should go about doing it. Where can I do a free background check? Many companies offer comprehensive background checks for a fee, such as GoodHire and Check.
What Is Background Verification?
Background verification, also known as pre-employment screening or employee screening, is the practice of evaluating potential hires before extending an offer. It generally includes checking the applicant’s education history, criminal records and qualifications, credit history, employment references, and other information relevant to the position they’re applying for. Depending on the job role and employer’s policy this may vary.
Why Is Background Verification Essential?
Background verification helps employers ensure safety in their workplace by confirming that all employees have been properly vetted prior to being hired. It ensures that only qualified candidates with no criminal history or negative credit reports are hired in positions where trustworthiness is key. Furthermore, it allows employers to uncover any discrepancies between what an applicant claims on their resume or during interviews versus what their actual work record indicates – helping them assess accurately whether someone is right for the job or not.
What Should Be Included In A Background Check?
When conducting background verifications there are certain components that should be included such as Identity Checks – Including Social Security Number (SSN) trace & address verifications; Employment Verifications – Ensuring resumes reflect accurate dates & titles; Education Verifications – Confirming degrees & accreditations from colleges & universities; Criminal History Reports – Examining state-level databases; Credit Reports – Reviewing personal debt obligations; Drug Tests – Testing for illegal substances & alcohol use; Reference Checks – Contacting former employers for feedback about performance & behavior; Driving Records – Examining driving histories among commercial drivers license holders (CDL).
How To Do Effective Background Verification?
Once you’ve decided which elements need to be included in your background check process there are certain best practices you should follow when conducting them: Make sure it’s comprehensive – Include both public records & private sources when researching applicants; Obtain written consent from applicants before starting a background check; Ensure accuracy with up-to-date data sources such as PeopleFinders or LexisNexis Accurint; Don’t rely solely on automated systems like those offered by GoodHire and Checkr; Follow all applicable laws regarding privacy rights when collecting data from sources outside your organization.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of business you run it’s imperative that you conduct effective background checks before hiring new employees – not just because it’s legally required but also because it safeguards against negligent hiring practices and protects everyone involved from potential risks down the road. Where can I do a free background check? Many companies offer comprehensive background checks for a fee, such as GoodHire and Checkr.
