What Information Can Be Obtained from an Employment Background Check?

When a prospective employer is looking to fill a position, they naturally want to ensure that the candidate will be a good fit for their company. To that end, many organizations conduct an employment background check before making a final hiring decision. But what information can be obtained from such a check? And what are the potential implications for job seekers? In this article, we'll explore the various types of data included in an employment background check and examine their significance.

Criminal History

One of the most common components of an employment background check is a criminal history search. This typically involves looking up an individual's criminal record at the county, state, and federal levels. The type of crimes for which a person has been convicted can have a significant impact on their ability to find work. For example, a felony conviction for theft could be a disqualifying factor for a job that involves handling money. On the other hand, a candidate who has a misdemeanor drug possession charge on their record might not be disqualified for a position as an administrative assistant.

Credit History

Another type of background check that is common is a credit history search. This is more likely to be done for jobs that involve handling money, managing finances, or accessing sensitive information. Credit reports can reveal a person's payment history, outstanding debts, and other financial information. There is some debate about whether or not credit history should be a factor in employment decisions, as many argue that it unfairly burdens candidates who may have fallen on hard times due to factors beyond their control.

Social Media Presence

In recent years, some employers have begun to use social media as part of their background screening process. This can involve looking up candidates on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other popular platforms to see what kind of content they post. This can be a double-edged sword, as a candidate's social media presence can reveal positive traits like creativity and communication skills, but can also reveal negative traits like poor judgment or inappropriate behavior.

Employment History

A candidate's employment history is another important aspect of a background check. This involves verifying the accuracy of a person's resume and looking into their past work experiences. Employers might contact former bosses and colleagues to get a better understanding of a person's work style and skills. Employment history can also reveal any gaps in a candidate's work history, which could be a red flag for some employers.

Education Verification

Employers may also conduct an education verification as part of a background check. This involves checking with the schools and universities that a candidate attended to verify that they earned the degrees or certifications they claim to have. While lying about one's education on a resume is relatively uncommon, it can have serious consequences if discovered.

Drug Testing

Finally, some employers will also conduct drug tests as part of a background check. This is more common for jobs where safety is a concern, such as truck driving or construction work. Drug tests can detect the presence of illegal substances, prescription medications, and even over-the-counter drugs that might impair a person's ability to do their job safely and effectively.

What are the implications of employment background checks?

The practice of conducting employment background checks has both pros and cons. On the one hand, it can provide employers with valuable information about a candidate's past behaviors, which can help them make more informed hiring decisions. On the other hand, background checks can also be a barrier to employment for people who have made mistakes in the past.

For example, a person who was convicted of a crime years ago may have turned their life around and become a responsible and productive member of society. However, if their criminal record is uncovered in a background check, they may not even be considered for a job that they are otherwise qualified for. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and criminal behavior that can be difficult to break out of.

Another potential issue with employment background checks is that they can be inaccurate or incomplete. For example, a criminal record check might not reveal a past conviction if the information is not up to date or if the candidate was never formally charged with a crime. Similarly, a credit history check might not reflect a person's current financial situation, which could be due to circumstances beyond their control.

Conclusion

Employment background checks are a common practice in today's hiring landscape, and they can reveal a wide array of information about a candidate's past. From criminal history to education verification, employers have access to a range of data that can help them make informed decisions about who to hire. However, it's also important to consider the potential implications of background checks, including their potential to perpetuate a cycle of poverty and to be inaccurate or incomplete. As the job market continues to evolve, it will be important to strike a balance between the need for information and the need for fairness and accuracy in hiring practices.