How To Do A Background Check For Employment?

When it comes to hiring new employees, making informed decisions is important. One effective way to do this is through new employee background checks.

This article will guide you through the steps of conducting a background check for employment and highlight the importance of using AI-powered screening solutions offered by Ferretly. For more information, check out our article on Screening Potential Employees and discover how you can optimize your process with a Background check with AI.

What Is a Background Check?

A background check is a process that helps employers verify the history and qualifications of employee. It involves gathering information about an individual’s past, including their identity, employment history, criminal records, and more.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, employers must follow specific regulations when conducting these checks, ensuring they are fair and lawful.

How Do Employers Do a Background Check on Employees?

When conducting a background check, it's best practice to complete pre-employment checks before the employee's start date. Ideally, employers should carry out these checks after extending a conditional job offer to the candidate. This approach helps ensure that the process runs smoothly to legal requirements.

1. Obtain Permission and Understand Law

Before conducting a background check, employers must obtain the candidate's permission and ensure they are following a proper background screening policy.

Understanding the legal requirements, such as Ban the Box laws, is essential for ensuring compliance.

2. Choose a Background Check Service Provider

Choosing the right background check service provider is important for getting accurate and trustworthy information. Many background screening companies are increasingly adopting technology-based solutions.

For example, consider using a Background check with AI to improve efficiency and accuracy during the hiring process.

3. Verify Personal Identity and Information

The next step involves verifying the candidate's identity. This includes checking government-issued identification and confirming the individual's social security number to ensure that the information provided matches official records.

The next step is to confirm the candidate's identity. This includes checking government-issued ID and verifying the person's social security number to ensure that the information aligns with official records.

4. Check and Review Different Types of Background Check

Employers should consider various types of checks, such as:

• Criminal Background Check: Identifying any past criminal behavior, which includes criminal background checks for employment.
• Employment Verification: Confirming previous job positions and responsibilities.
• Educational Verification: Checking degrees and certifications.
• MVR Checks: Reviewing a candidate's motor vehicle records to identify any DUIs or driving-related offenses.

5. Conduct Social Media Background Check and Online Presence

A growing trend is the social media background check. Employers should evaluate a candidate’s online presence, as this can uncover valuable insights into their character and behavior. Read more about this in our article on Social Media Background Check and learn about the importance of Social Media Background Screening.

For those interested in a career in this area, explore our position for a Social Media Analyst.

6. Review and Interpret the Results

Once the checks are complete, employers need to carefully review and define the results. This step is important in determining whether a candidate meets the company’s hiring standards. It’s important to method this task objectively to ensure balance in the hiring process.

7. Comply with Adverse Action Procedures

If a background check reveals concerning information, employers must comply with adverse action procedures. This process involves two steps:

A. Pre-Adverse Action

Before deciding on any actions regarding the candidate based on the background check results, employers must inform the candidate of the potential decision and provide them with a copy of the report.

B. Final Adverse Action

If the employer decides not to hire the candidate due to the background check findings, they must issue a final notice to the candidate. This notice should detail how the candidate can challenge the results.

For more guidance on this topic, check out our article on The Do's and Don'ts of Employment Background Checks.

Why Employers Run Background Checks

An impressive 95% of employers with at least one location in the U.S. conduct one or more types of employee background checks. This trend is important for maintaining workplace safety and ensuring quality hires. For further insights, see the study on 95% of employers.

Reasons for Conducting Background Checks

Employers perform background checks for several reasons, including:

• Verify Qualifications and Employment History Checks: Ensuring that candidates own the qualifications they claim.
• Ensure Workplace Safety: Protecting existing employees and the workplace environment.
• Protect Company Reputation: Avoiding hiring individuals with negative backgrounds that could harm the company’s image.
• Reduce Risk of Liability: Minimizing the risk of legal issues stemming from Irresponsible hiring.
• Meet Regulatory Requirements: Complying with laws and regulations regarding hiring practices.
• Assess Financial Responsibility (For Certain Roles): Understanding a candidate's financial background for positions involving financial responsibilities.
• Mitigate Fraud Risk: Preventing potential fraud by verifying a candidate's history.

What Does a Background Check Include?

Background checks typically involve various components. Background checks include checking some or all of the following for a job applicant: verifying identity, criminal background check, credit report, educational, certification, and credential verification, motor vehicle records, E-Verify confirmation, and fingerprint checks with the FBI.

Items Included in a Background Check

• Personal Identity Verification: Confirming identity details to avoid impersonation.
• Criminal History: Investigating past criminal behavior.
• Employment Verification: Checking previous job positions and roles.
• Education Verification: Confirming educational credentials.
• Credit Report (For Financial Roles): Reviewing financial responsibility for relevant positions.
• Driving Records (If Relevant): Checking driving history for roles requiring vehicle operation.
• Professional License Verification: Ensuring necessary licenses are current.
• Social Media and Online Presence: Evaluating the candidate's public persona online.
• Reference Check: Contacting former employers or personal references for further insights.
• Drug Testing (If Required): Conducting drug tests to ensure a safe workplace.
• Civil Records: Checking for any civil legal issues.
• Military Service Records (If Applicable): Confirming military background if relevant to the job.

Join 1000+ Customers Using Ferretly’s AI-Powered Background Checks

Ferretly offers advanced AI-powered background checks designed to help organizations streamline their hiring processes. By using our platform, companies can ensure thorough and reliable checks that go beyond traditional methods. Join the growing number of satisfied customers leveraging our innovative solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it legal to do a background check on someone?

Ethically and often legally, you must obtain permission before screening an individual. Therefore, you cannot carry out a background check without their approval.

2. How can I run a background check on someone?

Running a background check involves following legal procedures, obtaining agreement from the individual, and using a reliable background check service provider.

3. How Long Does a Background Check Take?

If there are issues with the information, it may take longer to complete. background checks can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the depth of the check and the speed of the responses from sources.

4. How Much Does a Background Check Cost?

The price of a background check varies based on the type of check, the provider you select, and its complexity. It's wise to compare different services to find one that suits your needs and budget.

5. What Background Check Do Most Employers Use?

Most employers carry out several checks, such as looking into criminal history, confirming past jobs, and verifying educational qualifications. The exact checks done can differ based on the industry and the job being filled.

6. What Causes a Red Flag on a Background Check?

Red flags on a background check can come from criminal records, differences in employment history, negative references, or any information that challenges what the candidate said. Employers should take these flags into consideration based on the job and the company's rules.