What Information Can Be Obtained From an Education Background Check?
When a company is looking to hire a new employee, one of the important steps in the hiring process is conducting a background check. A background check helps the hiring manager verify the information provided by the candidate in their resume and job application. One of the critical areas of the background check is the candidate’s education history.
Education history checks are carried out to confirm that the candidate’s academic qualifications and accomplishments are accurate. Employers want to make sure that the candidate's credentials history is in line with the job’s requirements, so they can have confidence in their abilities to perform the job. In this article, we will look at the details of what exactly an education background check entails and how its results can impact the hiring decision.
What is an Education Background Check?
An education background check is the process of verifying a candidate's educational qualifications through various means. There are several checks involved in an education background check. These checks include verifying the candidate's attendance, the degree or certificate awarded, the date of graduation, final scores, and any honors or awards received.
Education background checks can be carried out on almost any form of educational qualifications, from high school diplomas to degrees or certifications. These background checks are completed by third-party agencies, who are given permission by the candidate to access their academic records.
What Information Can Be Obtained from an Education Background Check?
Through an education background check, the hiring manager can obtain information on the candidate's academic records, such as the following:
1. Attendance Record
Employers may request information regarding the candidate's attendance records for a particular period. This helps the hiring manager verify that the candidate was present during the said period and that their claims of attending a school are legitimate.
2. Degree or Certificate Awarded
An education background check confirms the degree, diploma, or certificate the candidate obtained from the institution. This verification includes confirming the degree type, such as whether it is a bachelor's or master's degree and the course of study.
3. Date of Graduation
The education background check also confirms the date the candidate obtained their degree. This is an essential aspect of the candidate’s hiring decision, as the date of graduation influences the years of experience in a particular field.
4. Final Scores
Background verification also includes confirmation of the academic scores of the candidate. Employers want to verify that the candidate's GPA or academic scores are in line with the job requirements.
5. Honors and Awards
Employees who achieve high grades or receive special awards often list these on their resumes. Through an education background check, the employer can verify whether the candidate's claims are valid or not.
Why are Education Background Checks Important?
Education background checks are essential in the hiring process for several reasons:
1. Verification of Claims
Candidates can lie about their educational qualifications or falsify their academic records, which can put the company at risk if they hire an unqualified employee. A background check helps to verify the candidate’s academic history, ensuring that they meet the required qualifications and are truthful in their job applications.
2. Ensuring Compliance
Some industries require specific qualifications or degrees for a particular job position. For example, finance-related jobs need a candidate with a degree in finance or accounting. This verification ensures that the company is complying with the education requirements for the job position.
3. Liability
Employers need to ensure that they hire qualified employees who can perform the job's duties. Responsibility for employing an unqualified candidate who causes financial loss or legal liabilities can fall on the hiring company. An education background check ensures that the candidate has the required qualifications to perform the job.
4. Reducing Risks
Hiring an unqualified candidate can result in a poor job performance that can cause financial loss, damage to the organization's reputation, and a decrease in productivity. An education background check can help to reduce the risk of hiring an underqualified candidate.
Conclusion
Education background checks are a crucial part of the hiring process in confirming the candidate's academic history and achievements. The information obtained from education background checks helps employers verify the candidate's credentials and ensures that they possess the necessary skills to perform the job duties. An education background check helps companies maintain accuracy, ensure compliance, reduce risks and liabilities, and hire more qualified candidates. For employers to mitigate recruitment risks, conducting education background checks should be a standard practice in the hiring process.
