What Information Can Be Obtained from an Employment Background Check?

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when you apply for a job? What do employers do before making that crucial hiring decision? The answer lies in the employment background check. It's an integral part of the hiring process that provides employers with essential information about potential employees. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what information can be obtained from an employment background check and why it matters.

## Unveiling the Dark Corners

Imagine Sarah—a bright and talented young woman—who has just graduated from college and is excitedly seeking her first job. She applies for a position and smashes her interview, leaving a lasting impression on the hiring manager. But will her first impression be enough for the employer to trust Sarah with their company's future? This is where the employment background check comes into play.

### Digging into the Past

An employment background check is a process carried out by employers to verify the information provided by job applicants and discover any red flags that may impact their hiring decision. Through this process, employers uncover a wealth of information about an individual's professional and personal history. Let's delve into the crucial details an employer can obtain:

#### Employment History

The first piece of the puzzle is an applicant's employment history. Employers validate the dates of employment, positions held, and the responsibilities undertaken by the applicant at their previous jobs. By doing so, they gain insight into an individual's expertise, experience, and professional growth. This information aids employers in determining whether the applicant's qualifications match the requirements of the job in question.

For instance, if Sarah's resume claims she was a team lead for a software development project, the employer will contact her previous employer to verify this information. If it turns out that Sarah embellished her role, it may raise concerns about her honesty and integrity.

#### Educational Credentials

In an increasingly competitive job market, education credentials play a crucial role in differentiating job applicants. Employers conduct background checks to confirm an applicant's education history, degrees earned, and whether or not the institutions mentioned on their resume are legitimate.

Suppose Sarah boasts a prestigious degree from Harvard University. The employer would verify this claim by contacting the registrar's office at Harvard. If, upon investigation, it's discovered that Sarah never attended Harvard, it raises doubts about her integrity and ability to be truthful.

#### Criminal Records

One of the most critical aspects of an employment background check is the examination of an applicant's criminal record. Employers conduct criminal background checks to ensure the safety and security of their employees, customers, and company assets. This check reveals any past criminal activities or offenses committed by the applicant.

To illustrate, suppose Sarah failed to mention a previous conviction for theft on her application. During the background check, the employer uncovers this information, which could lead to concerns about her trustworthiness, especially if the new job requires handling sensitive financial information.

#### Credit History

While not always relevant, some positions require employees to handle financial matters or have access to sensitive financial information. In these cases, credit history checks become a vital part of the employment background check. Employers review an applicant's credit report to assess their financial responsibility and integrity.

If Sarah is applying for a job as a bank teller, the employer may conduct a credit history check to ensure that she can handle the financial aspects of the role. A poor credit score or a history of bankruptcy may raise concerns about Sarah's ability to handle financial transactions effectively.

#### Reference Checks

Employers often reach out to references provided by the applicant to gather insights about their character, work ethic, and overall suitability for the job. These reference checks allow employers to gain additional perspectives on an applicant's qualifications and performance.

For instance, if Sarah listed a former colleague as a reference, the employer would contact that person to discuss Sarah's work style, reliability, and interpersonal skills. If Sarah's colleague provides negative feedback or expresses doubts about her ability to work well with others, it could impact the employer's decision to hire her.

## The Balance Between Privacy and Security

While employment background checks provide employers with valuable information, it raises concerns about privacy and the balance between personal rights and company security. As the prevalence of background checks continues to rise, it becomes crucial to strike a delicate balance between transparency and privacy.

### Consent and Legal Considerations

Employers must obtain consent from applicants before conducting a background check. This consent ensures that applicants are aware of and agree to the examination of their personal and professional information. Additionally, employers must adhere to legal guidelines and regulations, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), to ensure the fair and legal use of background check information.

### Avoiding Unfair Bias and Discrimination

Background checks can inadvertently create space for unfair bias and discrimination in the hiring process. Employers must take steps to minimize the potential for bias and discrimination and ensure that background checks are conducted consistently for all applicants. Additionally, employers should focus only on relevant information that directly impacts an applicant's ability to perform the job.

## The Power of Prevention

Employment background checks serve as a powerful tool for employers to make informed hiring decisions. By conducting these checks, employers can mitigate potential risks associated with hiring individuals with a history of dishonesty, violence, or financial irresponsibility. It allows employers to protect their employees, customers, and the overall integrity of their organizations.

For job seekers like Sarah, employment background checks act as a gatekeeper to ensure that only the most qualified, reliable, and trustworthy candidates are selected. It levels the playing field by creating an environment where applicants compete based on merit, rather than falsified claims or unethical behavior.

In conclusion, the information obtained from an employment background check is invaluable to employers. It provides a comprehensive picture of an applicant's professional and personal history, ensuring informed hiring decisions. While privacy concerns exist, employers must strike a balance that respects an individual's rights while safeguarding the security and integrity of their organizations. So, the next time you apply for a job, remember that what you say and do in the past can have a lasting impact on your future.