What things to cover in a pre-employment background check?
When it comes to conducting pre-employment background checks, several important factors should be considered. These checks play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of your workplace, as well as helping you make informed hiring decisions. So, what things should you cover when performing a background check?
Criminal History
First and foremost, criminal history is an essential aspect to investigate as part of pre-employment screening. This involves checking for past convictions or pending charges that may raise concerns about an individual’s trustworthiness or ability to perform the job effectively.
Employment History
Next, verifying employment history is crucial to ensure that candidates accurately represent their previous work experience. This includes confirming employment dates, job titles, and responsibilities undertaken. People can easily lie or provide false information about previous jobs – sometimes, they may not even know how to do the job!
Education Verification
Education verification is another important factor. Verifying educational credentials helps validate a candidate’s qualifications and ensures they possess the skills and knowledge required for the position. A candidate background check may reveal only some of the skills someone has, but it can help to confirm any degrees or certificates someone has.
Reference Checks
Reference checks provide valuable insights into an applicant’s character and performance from individuals who have previously worked with them. Speaking directly with former supervisors or colleagues can help assess their interpersonal skills and work ethic.
Professional Licensing
Additionally, conducting professional license checks (if applicable) can confirm whether candidates hold valid licenses required for certain positions, such as doctors or lawyers.
Driving Record
Lastly but equally significant are motor vehicle record checks if driving will be part of the job description. It is essential to assess candidates’ driving records for any violations or incidents that could pose risks while operating company vehicles.
By covering these key areas during your pre-employment background check process, you can comprehensively understand each candidate’s suitability for your organization while mitigating potential risks associated with negligent hiring practices.