Employment background checks have become an essential part of the hiring process. Employers seek to verify the claims made by candidates about their education, work experience, and criminal record. A background check can uncover vital information that can prevent a company from making a hiring mistake. But what exactly can be found during a background check, and how can this information be used?

The Scope of Employment Background Checks

The information that can be obtained from an employment background check depends on the type of check being conducted. There are four common types of background checks:

1. Criminal Background Check
2. Credit Check
3. Employment Verification
4. Education Verification

Criminal Background Check

A criminal background check is a common type of background check, and it's one that most employers will conduct on their prospective employees. This check aims to find any criminal record the candidate might have. The criminal record check can cover both national and local jurisdictions, and it might include a search for any warrants or arrests too. The information that can be found in a criminal background check varies by state, but generally, the employer can find:

1. Any felonies the candidate has been convicted of
2. Any misdemeanors the candidate has been convicted of
3. Any arrests the candidate has had
4. Any warrants that have been issued against the candidate

Credit Check

Another common type of background check is a credit check. Employers conduct credit checks to assess the creditworthiness of a prospective employee. This check helps employers determine if a candidate can handle financial responsibilities and identify if the candidate has a history of financial issues. The information that can be found during a credit check includes:

1. Credit score
2. Credit history
3. Payment history
4. Debt-to-income ratio

Employment Verification

An employment verification check is a process of verifying a candidate's work experience and job history. The purpose of this check is to verify the information provided on the candidate's resume and application. It ensures that the candidate has the necessary work experience for the job. The information that can be found during an employment verification check includes:

1. Dates of employment
2. Job titles and duties
3. Reasons for leaving previous jobs
4. Salary information

Education Verification

An education verification check is a process of verifying a candidate's educational background and credentials. The purpose of this check is to ensure that the candidate holds the degree or certificate that they claim on their resume. The information that can be found during an education verification check includes:

1. Degrees earned and the majors studied
2. Certificates earned and the programs completed
3. Graduation dates
4. GPAs

What Employers Can and Cannot Do with Background Check Information

Employers have to follow certain laws and guidelines when using the information obtained from background checks. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), employers must follow specific procedures when conducting certain background checks. For example, employers must obtain written consent from the candidate before conducting certain background checks. They should also allow the candidate access to the information obtained about them.

Employers cannot discriminate against candidates based on the information obtained from background checks. For example, they cannot use a credit check to discriminate against candidates who have filed for bankruptcy. Similarly, they cannot use criminal records to discriminate against candidates with a criminal history, as long as the criminal history is not directly related to the job's duties or responsibilities.

What Candidates Can Do

Candidates have the right to dispute errors found in their background checks. They can contact the background check company and request that they correct any errors. Candidates can also dispute the findings with the employer or the company that conducted the background check.

Candidates can also take steps to ensure that their background checks are accurate. For example, they can check their credit reports regularly and ensure that all the information in their resume is accurate.

In Conclusion

Employment background checks can provide a wealth of information about job candidates, including their work history, education, and criminal background. However, employers must follow certain guidelines to ensure that they do not discriminate against candidates based on the information obtained. Candidates can also take steps to ensure that their background checks are accurate. Overall, background checks are an essential part of the hiring process that can help companies make informed hiring decisions.