8 Employee Background Check Tips
An employee background check is an essential part of the hiring process, helping employers to protect themselves from bad hires and ensure that they are hiring the right people for the job. However, it is important to be aware of the legalities involved in conducting background checks, as well as the best practices for getting accurate and relevant information.
Here are 8 tips for performing an employee background check:
- Know the laws. The laws governing background checks vary from state to state, so it is important to be familiar with the laws in your jurisdiction. Some states have strict restrictions on what types of information employers can access, while others have more relaxed laws.
- Get consent. Before you conduct a background check, you must obtain the applicant’s written consent. This consent should be specific and should state the types of information that you will be accessing.
- Be relevant. The information that you collect should be relevant to the job that the applicant is applying for. For example, if you are hiring a driver, you may want to conduct a driving record check. However, you would not need to conduct a credit check.
- Use a reputable company. There are many companies that offer background check services. When choosing a company, be sure to choose one that is reputable and that has a good track record.
- Check the results carefully. Once you have received the results of the background check, be sure to check them carefully for any errors. If you find any errors, you should contact the background check company immediately.
- Give the applicant a copy of the report. Once you have made a hiring decision, you must give the applicant a copy of the background check report. This gives the applicant the opportunity to dispute any errors in the report.
- Dispose of the report properly. Once you have finished using the background check report, you must dispose of it properly. This means shredding the report or deleting it from your computer.
- Keep records. You must keep records of all background checks that you conduct. These records should include the applicant’s consent form, the results of the background check, and any correspondence with the applicant.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are conducting employee background checks in a legal and ethical manner.
Here are some additional tips that are specific to the time of publishing in September 2023:
- Be aware of the Fair Chance to Hire Act, which prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on job applications in certain circumstances.
- Consider using a background check company that offers a social media screening option. This can help you to identify potential red flags, such as extremist or violent content.
- Be aware of the limitations of background checks. Background checks can only provide a snapshot of an applicant’s past. They cannot predict future behavior.
By following these tips, you can conduct employee background checks that are accurate, relevant, and legal.
