What exactly are employers looking for in these checks? What information about criminal history, employment, education, credit history, professional licenses, reference checks, social media, driving records, drug screening, and global screening do they get? This information makes the candidate better prepared and give an ideal candidate an edge in landing the job they want.
One of the fundamental areas in a background check is the criminal history. The basic search is usually about any past convictions or pending criminal charges that people have had. In the majority of cases, hiring managers want to know if the person even has a criminal record since working with sensitive information, finances, or vulnerable populations could be a significant risk.
2. Employment Verification:
Employers cross-check the accuracy of employment history, which the candidates provide. Employers confirm that the job titles, responsibilities, and dates of employment stated in the resume or application are consistent. Differences in employment history can often raise doubts on the part of the employer, calling for more investigation.
3. Education Verification:
Verification of educational qualifications is crucial in several job spheres. The verification of educational credentials ensures that the candidate is validly promoted to have the qualifications required for the job that they’re applying for and also helps maintain the integrity of employers’ workforce.
4. Credit History:
While credit history is not always reviewed in all types of employment, some industries, such as finance or roles with fiduciary responsibilities, might view an individual’s credit report. The report would offer insights on a candidate’s adherence to financial responsibilities and, in cases where a job is being carried out on behalf of the employer, this may be of significance to the employer.
5. Professional Licenses and Certifications:
For positions requiring specific professional licenses or certifications, employers ask for confirmation that a candidate has the required qualifications. This ensures that the candidate has competency in the expected areas and is up to date with regulatory guidelines.
6. Reference Checks:
Employers often approach the references provided by candidates for information on a potential candidate’s work ethic, skills, and character. Conducting reference checks will aid an employer in assessing whether a candidate is a good fit for the job from the information they’ve provided from past job roles and past relationships at the former employer or supervisor.
7. Social Media and Online Presence:
In the digital age, employers might also engage in the search of an individual’s social media profiles and online exposure. Although social media isn’t always part of the formal background check process, employers might seek out any warning signs or inconsistencies between a candidate’s online persona and their professional image.
8. Driving Records:
Driving records may be reviewed by employers depending on the need to be a driver or operator of any company vehicle or use machinery at any given point in time. This is assessed in relation to the standards of the industry to ensure the establishment of the optimum safety measures.
9. Drug and Alcohol Screening:
At some point, industries that operate globally such as transportation or healthcare may require individuals to have drug and alcohol screening as part of the background check process. This is done so that the candidate has a safe work environment and also complies with the regulations in this industry.
10. Global Screening:
Employers have global checks on their list for potential job seekers with the capability to work across nations. This aims to find any potential concerns or legal issues that might, in a way, obstruct the candidate from getting the position.
In summary, thorough preparation and honesty within the job search process can go a long way in increasing your chances of securing the job you want. If you want to know more about what some companies, such as Uber, are looking for in their background check, go ahead and look at this helpful resource: https://consumerattorneys.com/article/what-does-uber-look-for-in-a-background-check
Remember that elaborate preparation combined with openness in responding to all questions posed by the hiring manager would do much to reduce a job seeker’s chances.
