A background check is a search that reveals information about a person’s past. The results of a background check can help employers and consumers make more informed decisions about who to hire or allow into their lives.
It can also help companies protect themselves from negligent hiring and wrongful termination lawsuits. It can be particularly important for contract positions involving customers or other employees that may interact with the public, as it will mitigate risk and reduce the likelihood of employee misconduct.
1. Identity History
A person’s real name, address history, and social security number should be checked to ensure they are who they say they are. This helps ensure that a candidate has not been catfishing the employer or providing false or fabricated information about their background.
2. Criminal History Records
A criminal background check can reveal felony and misdemeanor convictions as well as any pending cases. These records are important when considering someone for a job, buying a car or firearm, or screening tenants.
There are a variety of laws that govern what information from a criminal record can be reported to a consumer reporting agency (CRA) and legally considered for hiring decisions. These include the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and state and local laws regarding how long a CRA can report on a criminal history record.
3. Employment History Verifications
Employers often conduct employment history verifications, also called verification of employment or employment checks, to confirm that the information on a candidate’s resume and job application is accurate. This includes background check their job titles, dates of employment, salary earned and any professional accreditations they have received.
4. Address History
A candidate’s address history can be a useful tool for employers and consumers in many situations, such as when meeting or hiring someone, determining their true identity, or finding out where they’ve lived recently. The report usually shows all addresses a person has had in recent history, including where they’ve received mail.
5. Department of Transportation Related searches
A DOT-related search is more stringent than other searches and can be used to verify a candidate’s driving history. This can be especially helpful when a company wants to hire an employee who will use a company vehicle for their work duties.
6. Credit Checks
It’s becoming more common for companies to run credit checks on job applicants and employees being considered for promotion or a new position. The details of this search will vary by state, but it generally goes back seven or 10 years.
7. Credit Scores
A person’s credit score can be damaged if they have experienced a significant life change, such as divorce or bankruptcy. This can impact a person’s creditworthiness and their ability to get a loan or other financial service.
8. Drug Testing
A drug test is a common requirement for some employment roles, but it can also be done for any time a candidate has access to company vehicles or works with customers. This type of check can reveal information about a candidate’s drug use and should be reviewed by your HR staff before making a hiring decision.