Conducting effective employment checks is crucial for any organization looking to hire new employees. Employment checks allow employers to verify an individual’s work history, education, credentials, and other relevant information. A thorough employment check can help employers make informed hiring decisions, mitigate risks, and ensure that they are hiring qualified and trustworthy individuals. In this article, we will discuss how to conduct an effective employment check.
- Determine the Type of Employment Check Required
The first step in conducting an effective employment check is to determine the type of check required. Depending on the position, employers may need to conduct different types of checks, such as criminal background checks, credit checks, or drug tests. It is important to review the job description and identify any specific requirements or qualifications that need to be verified through the employment check.
2. Obtain Written Consent
Before conducting an employment check, employers must obtain written consent from the candidate. This can be done through a consent form that outlines the type of check being conducted, the purpose of the check, and how the information will be used. Employers must also comply with all applicable laws and regulations, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which regulates the use of consumer reports in employment checks.
3. Verify Employment History
Verifying an individual’s employment history is a crucial step in the employment check process. Employers can contact previous employers and verify the individual’s job title, job responsibilities, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving. It is also important to confirm that the individual did not leave their previous employer under negative circumstances, such as termination for cause.
4. Verify Education and Credentials
Employers should also verify the individual’s education and credentials, such as degrees or certifications. This can be done by contacting the educational institution or credentialing organization and confirming that the individual attended and completed the program or received the credential.
5. Conduct Criminal Background Checks
Criminal background checks can help employers identify any potential red flags in an individual’s criminal history. Employers can conduct criminal background checks through third-party vendors or through state and federal agencies. It is important to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, such as the FCRA, which requires employers to provide candidates with a copy of their rights and follow specific procedures if they plan to take adverse action based on information in the background check.
6. Conduct Credit Checks (If Applicable)
Credit checks can be useful for positions that require handling of financial information or have access to sensitive company information. Employers can obtain credit reports through third-party vendors and verify that the individual has a good credit history and does not have any outstanding debts or bankruptcies.
7. Conduct Drug Tests (If Applicable)
For positions that require safety-sensitive tasks or operate heavy machinery, drug testing may be necessary. Employers can conduct drug tests through third-party vendors and verify that the individual is drug-free and can perform their job responsibilities safely.
8. Verify References
Verifying references is a crucial step in the employment check process. Employers should contact the individual’s professional and personal references and ask questions about the individual’s work ethic, job performance, and character. It is important to ask open-ended questions and verify that the references provided are legitimate and not fabricated.
9. Analyze Results
Once all the employment checks have been conducted, employers should analyze the results and determine whether the individual is suitable for the position. It is important to consider all the information obtained through the employment check and weigh any potential red flags against the individual’s qualifications and experience.
10. Document the Employment Check
Finally, employers should document the employment check process, including the type of check conducted, the results obtained, and any decisions made based on the results. This documentation can be useful in the event of any legal challenges or disputes.