Hiring someone new often calls for a dedicated background check. While background checks are very common, not many people know what employers are looking for. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common reasons for background checks, so you can be sure you’re covering all your bases. Keep reading to learn more.
Reference Check
A reference check is a process in which employers contact past employers or other references of an employee to verify information provided by the employee on their resume or job application. The most common reasons for conducting reference checks are to confirm the individual’s work history, education, or professional license and certification. Employers may also contact former employers to get a sense of the individual’s character and whether they would be a good fit for the company. Many employers run a free background check before doing a more comprehensive check. A completely free background check examines a person’s digital footprint and basic information. This type of reference check is often conducted by employers prior to hiring new employees, but it can also be requested by individuals for their personal use.
Criminal Background Check
Some employers will also conduct criminal background checks as part of the hiring process. However, while criminal background checks can provide some valuable information about an applicant, they should not be relied upon exclusively as many factors can contribute to someone’s criminal record that does not reflect their character or ability to perform the job duties. Employers must take care when contacting references, as defamation laws may apply if negative comments are made about an applicant that is not true. Reference checkers should always try to speak with supervisors instead of co-workers whenever possible to get a more accurate picture of the individual’s work performance.
Employment Verification
Employment verification is a process by which an employer can confirm the employment history and status of a current or former employee. This verification can be done through various means, such as contacting the employee’s previous employers or reviewing their records. There are many reasons an employer might conduct a background check, including ensuring that the potential employee is qualified for the position they are applying for and verifying their work history. Employment verification is often required for certain jobs, such as those in law enforcement or finance.
Credential Verification
Credential verification is an important part of conducting a background check. This process involves checking the education and work history of the individual to ensure that the information provided is accurate. The purpose of credential verification is to protect employers from hiring individuals who may have falsified their educational or work history.
There are several reasons why employers may conduct a credential verification as part of a background check. One reason is to verify that the individual has the necessary qualifications for the job. Another reason is to confirm that the individual has not been convicted of a crime that would disqualify them from working in certain industries. Credential verification can also help employers identify candidates lying about their work experience or education level.
The most common reasons for conducting a credential verification are to verify academic degrees, employment history, and licensure or certification status. Academic degrees can be verified by contacting the institution where the degree was earned. Employment history can be verified by contacting past employers or using online resources such as LinkedIn. Licensure and certification status can be verified by contacting professional organizations or state licensing boards.
Terrorist Watch List Check
The terrorist watch list check is a background check conducted on individuals suspected of being involved in terrorist activities. The purpose of the terrorist watch list check is to ensure that these individuals are not able to purchase firearms or explosives and to identify any possible connections that they may have to terrorism.
The most common reasons for conducting a terrorist watch list check are when an individual is attempting to purchase a firearm or explosive, when an individual is seeking employment with a security-sensitive company, or when an individual is seeking entry into the United States. The terrorist watch list check can also be conducted as part of a routine criminal background check. If an individual is found to be on the terrorist watch list, he or she will likely be prohibited from purchasing firearms or explosives and may also be subject to additional scrutiny by law enforcement authorities.
Overall, the most common reasons for background checks are related to a prospective employer’s history. They can range from ensuring that someone is a safe and fit candidate for a job to protecting the company from falsified credentials. Background checks are an important part of keeping workplaces safe and secure.