With the increase in the number of frauds and scams at the workplace, most companies consider background screening an important part of the hiring process.
From creating a safe working culture to reducing the company’s liability, eliminating risks, and verifying candidate’s information, performing a background check offers employers a complete peace of mind.Check out the list of best background check sites
However, many businesses are still unsure whether or not to go for background screening. To clear your doubts, we have compiled a list of 5 most commonly asked questions about background screening:
- 1. Q1. Why do companies perform pre-employment background screening?
- 2. Q2. What are the different types of background checks?
- 3. Q3. How long does a background check take?
- 4. Q4. What does a background check report contain?
- 5. Q5 Is it legal for companies to conduct background checks of their employees?
- 6. In the end…
Q1. Why do companies perform pre-employment background screening?
It has become more important than ever for employers to be extra vigilant when bringing new staff. Do you know due to fraud and abuse, US companies lose more than $9 per day per employee?
That is why companies often conduct pre-employment background checks to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
For instance, some background check firms in Ohio perform screening to verify job seeker’s basic data, such as
- employment history
- educational details
- job history
- performance issues
- credit history and other relevant information
Q2. What are the different types of background checks?
Some of the most common types of employment background checks are:
- Identity verification: This includes the checking of name, address, date of birth, and other information about the prospective candidates.
- Criminal history check: Any company hiring employees for the roles that involve access to sensitive confidential information must perform continuous criminal monitoring.
- MVR reports: Companies looking to hire a driver must check motor vehicle records to ensure they hire the safest and responsible candidate.
- Credit background checks: It may reduce the risk of financial crimes.
Q3. How long does a background check take?
Well, this depends on the situation, country, company’s requirements, type of check, and job position.
Here is a list of the timelines of the different types of background checks performed in the US:
Criminal check—1 to 2 days
Credit check—1 to 2 days
Educational verification—2 to 3 days
Driver’s License Verification/Records (MVR)—3 days
Employment Verification—2 to 3 days
On average, a background check takes two to three days.
Q4. What does a background check report contain?
Background check reports include comprehensive information about a candidate’s personal details, criminal records, employment history, educational details, driving history, and other traits.
Q5 Is it legal for companies to conduct background checks of their employees?
In most states, it is legal for companies to perform background checks on their employees.
However, some states restrict or question a company to test employees.
Background checks are administered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
So, your background checks must be FCRA compliant, else you may face serious consequences.
In the end…
Background screening has now become a standard practice to get a clear picture of the job candidates.
Most recruiters conduct some sort of background check before hiring new employees and the reasons are quite obvious. Hopefully, the above-mentioned information provides you with in-depth knowledge about background screening.
GAG Staff