Background checks are now commonly used by employers who are looking to hire new employees to ensure that the person has no criminal or harmful history that may endanger the company. It is also important that any new employee fits within the company culture and is someone who can be trusted. Background checks are conducted for a variety of reasons, such as for employment, renting an apartment, or volunteering for a non-profit organization. This article will explore the different types of background checks available and what each one entails.
1. Criminal Background Check
A criminal background check is the most common type of background check conducted by employers. Criminal background checks are used to verify whether a person has a criminal record and what offenses they have committed. These checks are conducted by local and state authorities and reveal any convictions or pending charges. They may also include information such as arrests, court appearances, and sentences.
2. Employment Background Check
An employment background check is conducted by an employer to verify a potential employee's education, employment history, and criminal record. This background check can include a credit check, drug testing, and a review of social media profiles. The employer will also verify the information provided on the resume or application, such as job title, duties performed, and dates of employment.
3. Credit Check
Another type of background check is the credit check, which checks a person's credit report to verify their financial stability. Employers may check an applicant's credit to see if they are responsible with money and have no outstanding debts. A credit check can also be conducted for individuals who are trying to rent an apartment or purchase a car.
4. Social Media Check
A social media check is one of the newer types of background checks and is used to review a person's online presence. Employers can use this type of check to gauge a person's character, check for anything inflammatory or derogatory, and see if the candidate has represented themselves appropriately outside of work hours.
5. Educational Background Check
An educational background check is conducted by an employer to verify the educational degrees and certifications listed on a candidate's resume. Employers will often contact universities and schools to gather information on the applicant's experience, course load, credits earned, and overall performance.
6. Driving Record Check
A driving record check is typically only conducted when an applicant's job will involve driving a company vehicle, such as delivery drivers or truck drivers. This check will show any past traffic violations, accidents, driver's license suspensions, or DUI convictions.
7. Professional License Check
A professional license check is conducted to verify that the candidate has all the necessary licenses and certifications required for the job. For example, a nurse will be required to have a valid nursing license in the state they will be working in. Employers will also check to see if the license is current and in good standing.
8. Reference Check
A reference check is typically performed at the end of the hiring process and involves contacting previous employers and other personal references. This type of check is used to verify information on the candidate's resume, gain insight into their work habits, and to confirm their reliability and character.
In conclusion, employers now conduct background checks to ensure that they hire the right candidate without exposing their company to any harm the future employee might do. The different types of background checks include criminal background checks, credit checks, social media checks, educational background checks, driving record checks, professional license checks, and reference checks. Understanding the purpose and types of background checks will help employers make informed decisions and hire the best candidates for the job.
