subject: Hiring Process Made Easy With the Use of Background Checks [print this page] Significance Significance
The importance of discovering an individual's work history and possible criminal record cannot be understated. Especially if company employees will have access to sensitive information such as customer's credit card numbers, banking information, or social security numbers. In modern times, a few key pieces of information is all an unsavory character needs to commit fraud, identity theft, or other electronic crimes. These types of criminals often attempt to gain employment with a company where such information is easily obtained. It is in the best interest of the employer to avoid these potential risks.
Features
According to the Privacy Rights Clearing House, up to 30 percent of information given to employers on job applications or resumes may be false or misleading. This is a sobering statistic, especially in the case of companies whose employees have access to customer's personal information. Background checks can be general, or very specific depending on the needs of the business owner. However, some basic categories include driving records, employment history, and of course, whether a criminal record exists.
Every company has individual screening requirements, and these largely depend on the employer's specific objective for the background check. If his or her main concern lies with the applicants' ability to perform the duties associated with the job, a simple verification of employment history and personal references may be sufficient. However, more often than not, the concern lies with whether a possible criminal background exists, or to determine if the applicant exhibited dangerous or problematic behavior in the previous positions he or she held.
Employment Verification Agencies
Professional employment screening agencies offer great benefit for business owners who realize the importance of identifying potential risks. The information given by an applicant on his or her resume can be turned over to such an agency, where the appropriate background screening can be conducted by professionals. Agencies such as this understand the value of finding the right candidate for each job, and the importance of verifying the information provided by the applicant. They begin with a criminal background check which will discover if the individual was involved in past criminal activity, or if outstanding warrants exists. A driving record will also be researched, which will indicate if there were episodes of drunk driving in his or her background. This is especially important if the position is one in which the employee will be using a company vehicle. The applicants' employment history will be thoroughly researched as well, and be checked against information listed on his or her resume, enabling the employer to determine if the prospective employee is really suitable for the job. At times, a credit check may be obtained as well. Certain studies indicate that a higher risk of potential theft is associated with employees who are in financial trouble.
Obtaining the above information can be time consuming and frustrating for many business owners, and the use of a professional agency to complete the task can be of great benefit. Pre-screening applicants in this way is a highly convenient method of streamlining the hiring process, due to the fact that those chosen for interviews will have already met important criteria. Above all, it creates a safer, happier work environment for the employees, as well as the customers.
Hiring Process Made Easy With the Use of Background Checks
