What is a Background Check? Why Do Employers Conduct It?
In today’s world, obtaining a job is a competitive process, and employers have a pool of candidates to choose from. As a result, employers have become increasingly vigilant about their hiring practices. One common practice is conducting a background check on prospective employees. This ensures that employers make informed decisions rather than taking risks without proper information.
The process of a background check typically involves verifying an applicant’s employment history, education, criminal record, credit history, and driving record. This process is necessary to protect an employer’s business reputation, financial security, and legal liability. However, not all employers conduct background checks. What are the reasons behind this screening process? How does it work? How does it benefit both the employer and the employee?
Why Do Employers Conduct Background Checks?
There are several reasons why employers conduct background checks:
1. To ensure a safe and secure work environment
Employers conduct background checks to ensure that they don’t hire individuals who pose a risk to their business reputation, other employees, or customers. A check can uncover criminal charges, arrests, convictions, and other potentially disqualifying information. If any of this information is found, it can be used to make a more informed decision about an applicant’s suitability for a position.
2. To protect the company’s assets
Background checks can also help protect a company’s assets by identifying applicants who have a history of financial issues or fraud. Thorough background checks can reveal if an applicant has a history of any suspicious activities.
3. To minimize legal liability
Employers are concerned with minimizing their legal liability and complying with applicable laws. A background check can reveal whether an applicant has ever filed lawsuits or has a history of workers’ compensation claims. By hiring an applicant with a history of lawsuits or workers’ compensation claims, an employer could become unnecessarily liable.
4. To confirm the applicant’s credentials
Employers are interested in ensuring that an applicant’s education, work experience, and other credentials are accurate. This is to verify that the applicant matches to the job requirements and the job description. Even though an applicant may have all the required qualifications on paper, a background check can help confirm the validity of the applicant’s claims.
How does a Background Check Work?
The process of a background check may vary depending on the employer, but there are a few common elements. Here is a breakdown of the process:
1. Obtaining an Applicant’s Authorization
The first step of a background check is obtaining an applicant’s authorization to conduct the screening. Employers need to inform the applicant of their intention to conduct a background check and obtain written consent.
2. Gathering Information
The employer then begins the process of gathering information about the applicant. The employer may want to verify details such as the applicant’s employment history, education, and criminal record. In order to gather information, the employer may use social media platforms, internet searches, public records, or background check services.
3. Verification Process
After gathering all the information, the employer would verify the information, including where the applicant went to school, the applicant’s previous job positions, and even the applicant’s criminal record. In certain circumstances, employers may have to verify other details such as whether the applicant had a license or certificate.
4. Review and Decision
The final step of a background check is to review all the information, make an informed decision and evaluate the applicant's suitability for the position. The employer would then inform the applicant of their final decision, based on the results of the background check.
Benefits of Conducting Background Checks
Conducting background checks can benefit both the employer and the employee.
1. It provides a sense of security
A background check provides a sense of security to the employer and demonstrates that they have taken steps to confirm the quality and character of the applicant.
2. It improves the quality of hires
Background checks eliminate the risk of hiring people who are not suitable for a position due to education record, criminal record, or other relevant reasons. In the long run, this can improve the quality of hires.
3. It increase employee retention
Once an employer ensures that they have made the right decision, and an employee passes a background check successfully, it would promote job satisfaction and, in the long run, will increase employee retention.
4. It protects the company against legal liability
By conducting a background check, an employer can stay ahead of any potential legal liability. It provides an opportunity to screen out any potential legal threats in advance, preventing future legal complications.
Conclusion
Background checks can be a crucial part of the screening process for employers, but it’s essential to do it correctly. It helps an employer make informed decisions and ensure that they’ve hired the right candidate for the job, providing a safe and secure work environment for all their employees. As an applicant, complying with a background check gives a better chance of securing a desirable position. While these checks have their own advantages, it’s important for employers to follow the proper legal channels and the applicant’s privacy be respected.
