Employment background checks have become increasingly important for employers to make informed hiring decisions and protect their business interests. However, not all employment background checks are the same, and each type of check provides different information. In this article, we will discuss the different types of employment background checks.
- Criminal Background Check
A criminal background check is one of the most common types of employment background checks. It involves checking a candidate’s criminal history, including any arrests or convictions. The information is typically obtained from state or federal criminal databases, court records, or other public records.
Employers may conduct criminal background checks to ensure that the candidate does not pose a risk to others or their business. However, it is important to note that not all criminal offenses should disqualify a candidate from employment. Employers must comply with federal and state laws regarding the use of criminal background checks in employment decisions.
2. Employment Verification
Employment verification involves checking a candidate’s employment history, including the positions held, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving previous positions. This information is typically obtained from the candidate’s previous employers or from third-party employment verification services.
Employers may conduct employment verification to confirm a candidate’s work experience and to ensure that the candidate has the skills and qualifications required for the position. Employment verification can also help employers identify any discrepancies or gaps in a candidate’s work history.
3. Education Verification
Education verification involves checking a candidate’s educational credentials, including degrees earned, dates of attendance, and the institutions attended. This information is typically obtained from the candidate’s educational institutions or from third-party education verification services.
Employers may conduct education verification to ensure that the candidate has the educational qualifications required for the position. Education verification can also help employers identify any discrepancies or false claims in a candidate’s educational history.
4. Credit Check
A credit check involves checking a candidate’s credit history, including their credit score, credit accounts, and payment history. This information is typically obtained from credit reporting agencies.
Employers may conduct credit checks to assess a candidate’s financial responsibility and to determine whether they may pose a risk of theft or fraud. However, it is important to note that not all jobs require a credit check, and employers must comply with federal and state laws regarding the use of credit checks in employment decisions.
5. Professional License Verification
Professional license verification involves checking a candidate’s professional licenses or certifications, including the issuing organization, date of issuance, and expiration date. This information is typically obtained from the issuing organization or from third-party license verification services.
Employers may conduct professional license verification to ensure that the candidate has the required licenses or certifications for the position. Professional license verification can also help employers identify any discrepancies or false claims in a candidate’s professional history.
6. Reference Check
A reference check involves contacting a candidate’s references, including previous supervisors, colleagues, or other professional contacts. Employers may conduct reference checks to verify a candidate’s work experience, skills, and qualifications, as well as to obtain additional information about the candidate’s work habits, communication skills, and other personal attributes.
Employers must obtain the candidate’s permission before conducting a reference check, and they must comply with federal and state laws regarding the use of reference checks in employment decisions.
Conclusion
Employment background checks are an important tool for employers to make informed hiring decisions and protect their business interests. However, it is important to understand the different types of employment background checks and the information they provide. Employers should carefully consider which types of checks are necessary for the position and comply with federal and state laws governing the use of background checks in employment decisions. Additionally, employers should ensure that they obtain the candidate’s consent and provide them with an opportunity to review and dispute any information obtained during the background check process.