Can you do a background check on a potential employee?

The most common is the pre-employment background check. These can be conducted at any point during the hiring process, but they are most often done for candidates who have a contingent job offer. Whether you are screening potential new hires or current employees, there’s a wide range of searches you can run.

What background check do potential employees do?

An employment background check can include, but is not limited to, a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening. If the position is specialized, applicants and employees may undergo further screenings.

Why should an employer do a background investigation on a potential employee?

Some of the Reasons for Conducting a Background Check Probably the biggest reason employers choose to perform background checks on potential employees is safety and security. Employers have an obligation under OSHA to provide a safe workplace—one that is free of known hazards.

Why do employers do background checks after you are hired?

Within certain industries, employers will commonly run background checks after hiring to manage risk to their customers, their business and other employees. Background checks after hiring are also recommended or required in industries where there is a potential for fraud or those which are heavily regulated.

What shows up on pre-employment background check?

Pre-employment background checks typically include criminal-background checks, plus verification of information on past employment, education, and professional licenses. Depending on the nature of the job under consideration, employers may specify that pre-hiring screenings search candidates’ driving records.

What does an employee background check look for?

An employee background check reviews a candidate’s criminal records, driving records, and whether they are on a terror watch list or sex offender registry. It may also include a check of credentials and credit background check.

When does an employer use a third party to check your background?

When employers use a third party to check someone’s background, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) restricts what they are allowed to check, and how. The FCRA is a federal legislation that sets the standards for how consumer reporting is used in various capacities, including employment. 2 

Do you have to give consent for employment background check?

However, if the employer is simply conducting inquiries on their own (rather than getting a report through another company), they do not legally have to ask for your consent. For example, they do not have to get your consent to call your former employer. They only need to notify you if they use a third-party employment screening company.

How long does it take for a background check for a job?

The typical time, according to several popular background check services, is one to five days to verify social security numbers and addresses, check national and county criminal records, as well as the U.S. terrorism watch list. Should I do a background check myself?

When should an employer conduct an employee background check?

Many employers conduct background and reference checks during the hiring process , prior to offering a candidate the job . However, in some cases, a job offer may be contingent upon the results of the background check. That means the offer could be withdrawn if the organization finds negative information.

What employers can ask in a background check?

While the most common types of employment background checks include criminal records, work status validation, and reviews of social media accounts, your employer may also ask for a drug test, a physical evaluation, or additional financial information (like bankruptcies).

What do employers need in a background check?

• circumstances of the offense or conduct underlying the offense;
• Number of offenses for which a conviction actually resulted;
• Whether the person is of an older age at the time of the conviction or release from prison;

  What are employers looking for on your background check?

  • Employment Verification. Potential employers may want to verify your employment history to ensure all the information on a resume is accurate.
  • Education Verification.
  • Motor Vehicle Records.
  • Credit Checks.
  • Criminal Record.