BackGround Verification 101: 7 Proven Methods For Verifying Employees
What is Background Verification?
The process of carrying out background verification on employees or prospective candidates has become an integral part of numerous companies and businesses around the world. Background verification has become increasingly important due to a higher demand for safer workplace environments. Companies and businesses are beginning to pay more attention to brand image and protection of sensitive material.
But with the fast paced tempo of the business world, how can a business carry out effective background verification on its employees? While outsourcing your hiring process to a competent HR firm is a no-brainer, it can still be done successfully using in-house resources.
Why is Background Verification Important?
Background screening is typically complete when the employer successfully confirms the information provided by a job candidate. Depending on the structure and complexity of the company, background checks can range from work and education background to driving and criminal records.
The aim is to verify the information presented on the application or résumé, as well as in interviews, and unearth any possible loopholes. Making the best hiring decisions possible is the goal.
What is Checked in Background Verification?
A standard background check doesn't exist, and organizations differ in what they look for. Credit checks are done by financial institutions, but fast-food restaurants are unlikely to do so. Each employer chooses what's acceptable and what's not in a background check.
Background checks may be conducted by employers using one or more third-party services. They may also do certain internal checks, such as invoking references, to verify the employee's details.
Although Background verification differs and can be pretty extensive, there are several important categories for every verification process.
1. Referrals
A former manager or coworker may also be contacted by an employer, unless they have been expressly requested not to do so. Depending on the state, there are several regulations that regulate reference checks. In general, prior employers can discuss a candidate's employment history as long as they are accurate and don't break anti-discrimination regulations. Obtaining written authorization before doing a reference check is standard procedure.
2. Verification of Academic Qualifications
To verify that candidates hold the degree mentioned on their application documents, organizations will contact academic institutions. To acquire this information, applicants will need to give their graduation dates and former names.
3. Verification of Previous Work Experience
Employees are usually required to provide proof of their previous employment. A few former employers may very well be ready to answer inquiries, while others may just confirm that the applicant worked there and when. Historically, potential employers would ask about a candidate's pay history, but that procedure has gone out of practice.
4. Conducting Drug screenings and Physical Exams
Some occupations include drug tests and/or physical exams. Employee safety and the nature of the job should be closely linked to whether or not physical exams are required. A physical examination isn't needed for most occupations.
5. Skills and Knowledge Testing
To verify certain capabilities, some employers might require the job candidates to do a skill testing interview. Assume a customer service role needs email customer service; A candidate for this role may be requested to write a sample email in response to a hypothetical customer complaint.
Other senior management roles may need candidates to deliver a presentation on how to increase sales. HR recruiters may be required to provide a recruiting improvement strategy as part of their application. Before a company makes a job offer, these types of demonstrations demonstrate that the candidate possesses the claimed knowledge and abilities.
6. Verifying Criminal History
If you have a criminal record, it may not exclude you from a job; The use of criminal background checks by employers is not a common criteria and is usually only required for sensitive job descriptions.
7. Examining Your Debt History
The likelihood of a debt history verification is higher if the job entails security or money. Debt audits require written authorization.
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Major Pointers
Employers conduct background checks on job candidates to verify the information they have supplied.
For background checks, employers may engage third-party services.
In addition to confirming job and academic qualifications and speaking with references, background checks might also include drug screens and credit checks.
Conclusion
As more companies look for better ways to hire and keep quality staff, more emphasis is being placed on carrying out an efficient background verification process. Whether you decide to perform an in-house verification process or you prefer to use external background check services, the steps listed in this guide are important procedures to take note of.