Background checks are an essential tool for any employer, landlord or individual looking to hire, rent, or work with someone on a personal or professional level. Such checks provide a detailed look into an individual's background, including their criminal history, education, and employment history. In this blog, we will discuss how to conduct a background check, the methods, benefits, and real-life examples that illustrate the importance of this process.
How to Conduct a Background Check?
There are various ways to conduct a background check. The following are the most popular and widely used methods;
Method 1: Online Background Check
Online background checking is a popular and convenient way of investigating an individual's history. This method entails using search engines and social media profiles to gather information that the individual has shared over the internet. The information collected includes their employment history, educational history, criminal records, financial history, and professional licenses.
Some popular online background checking platforms include:
- BackgroundChecks.com
- Intelius
- TruthFinder
Method 2: Hire a Private Investigator
Professional investigators can also help to conduct a comprehensive background check on individuals. Private investigators have the knowledge, tools, and resources to conduct a detailed background check, in-depth investigation, and search.
Method 3: Use Public Records
Public records are another valuable resource of conducting background checks. These documents are publicly available and can provide useful information about an individual's history. Such documents include marriage certificates, court records, real estate transactions, and bankruptcy filings.
Real-life Examples and Anecdotes
Employers who conduct background checks have saved themselves from potential lawsuits resulting from harm caused by employees who have attempted to conceal their history. Criminals with a history of assault, harassment, or theft could significantly hurt a business or company's reputation, profitability, and stability. Some real-life examples include the following;
- The case of a financial adviser who had a history of felony convictions for stealing clients' money.
- The case of Jane Doe, an employee of a nutrition and wellness product company that was found guilty of embezzlement worth over $1 million. The company had conducted a background check and discovered her previous criminal activities.
Benefits of Conducting a Background Check
Conducting a background check offers several benefits, including:
1. Safety and Security
Background checks help employers minimize the risks and threats associated with hiring employees who may pose a risk of violence, harassment, or other forms of misconduct.
2. Avoiding Costs from Wrongful Hiring
Wrongful hiring is an expensive mistake that can cost organizations significant amounts of money. Conducting background checks can minimize the chances of hiring unqualified or unsuitable employees.
3. Compliance with the Law
Employers are legally required to conduct background checks on some individuals, such as those in the healthcare and financial sectors. Ensuring that all new hires have valid credentials and are cleared by governmental background checks is required by law.
4. Boosting the Reputation of the Organization
Employers that provide safe and secure work environments and ensure their employees conduct themselves professionally gain a reputation as a trusted and reliable entity within their industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, conducting background checks is an essential process for any employer, landlord, or individual looking to work with someone. Online background checks, hiring a private investigator, and using public records are the most common methods of conducting background checks. The benefits of conducting these checks include safety and security, avoiding costs of wrongful hiring, compliance with the law, and boosting the organization's reputation. Conducting these checks not only safeguards organizations but also gives employees an increased sense of security by knowing that their coworkers and clients have been properly screened.
