The rise of crime rates and the rampant use of drugs everywhere have created a sense of paranoia among members of society. This includes employers who want to entrust a major part of their business to employees. To really make sure that they have an informed decision when choosing a job applicant, the background checking process was put into place. This is a very important step of the hiring process and it can spell the difference between hiring success and failure which can even lead to future company liabilities.
Important things employers need to verify include:
1. The college or university the applicant graduated from
Employers need to check with the college applicants wrote on their resumes to make sure that their courses and dates of attendance match with the resume or job application. This is the reason why applicants should write the truth about their educational attainment.
2. Previous employers including position, length of service, salary and performance
This is one of the most common information employers would want to know. This will give an idea about the truth of an applicant’s declarations as well as the true reason for his/her resignation from previous jobs.
3. Discussions with personal references, former bosses and sometimes co-workers
This comprises the second part of the pre-employment verification process. When after a series of tests and interviews, an employer is interested in an applicant’s profile, the HR manager usually calls the applicant’s personal references and former boss. This is intended to confirm the applicant’s responsibilities, demeanor and work habits.
4. Proof that the applicant is fit to work
This includes IQ tests, physical exams and drug test. This is intended to ensure that the applicant is really physically and mentally qualified to work. The use of illegal drugs, for example, has become so rampant that companies that don’t require drug testing run the risk of hiring drug dependents who are potential poor performers. Besides, addiction to drugs can compel a person to steal in order to support his/her vice.
5. Trade testing to confirm skills
Many employers require job applicants to undergo a trade testing process to confirm an applicant’s skills and knowledge in relation to the position offered.
6. Criminal history and background
Before hiring an applicant, many employers walk the extra mile of verifying if the person has had a history of convictions in the past. If you are an employer, you wouldn’t want to hire someone who has been arrested or convicted of a crime. To make this happen, most employers tap the help of providers of professional management information services to facilitate an employee criminal background check services.