During a Pre-Employment Background Check, What Is An Employer Looking For?

Many employers conduct pre employment background checks on job applicants. During this process, the employer or a third-party company investigates an applicant's background to verify the accuracy of his claims and to look into any possible criminal history, education, past employment, and more.

Although screenings vary from local searches to full national investigations and even change with job responsibilities, common pre-employment background checks include:

• Criminal history screening
• Social security number tracing
• Drug testing
• Worker's compensation claims history
• Credit history
• Sex offender registry screening
• Motor vehicle records screening
• Skills assessment
• Employment verification
• Supervisor/reference interviews
• Education verification

There are laws that pertain to the types of information you obtain, so any company requesting a screening must be careful when it performs or requests employment background checks.

Such businesses can utilize credit reports on potential employees but must obtain written consent before seeking a credit report. If the company decides not to hire the employee, it must provide a copy of the report to the applicant and let her know she can challenge the report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

When it comes to criminal records, the extent any business may consider an applicant's criminal history varies from state to state. Consult with a lawyer or do legal research on your state before proceeding.

Companies cannot check an applicant's medical records because the Americans with Disabilities Act says employers cannot discriminate based on physical or mental impairment. Businesses, however, can inquire about an applicant's ability to perform specific job duties. Check state laws regarding the confidentiality of medical records.

Before checking an applicant's school records, please note that educational records are confidential and transcripts and other educational records may not be released without a student's consent.

Some companies conduct pre-employment background checks themselves, while others rely on a third-party company that specializes in professional background checks. Look online for full-service background investigation companies that specialize in obtaining pertinent information through criminal background checks on a statewide and national level, past employment and background history information, and background investigations for DMV history, credit reports, drug screening, and many other aspects on individuals for employers nationwide. Each background check these companies process is handled by professional staffs to assure your company will make the right decision. You can look for a company that is a member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners to ensure you, as a business conducting an investigation, get the best assistance.