Background check

From ArticleWorld

A background check divulges specific information about a potential employee’s past to a potential employer.

When to run a background check

Background checks are frequently run in order to confirm that information a job candidate provides on his or her application or resume is correct. It allows an employer to confidently pick a potential employee who is best suited for the position offered.

Criminal background checks are also conducted in the United States before the purchase of a firearm is allowed, for those working in positions that have special security concerns (like trucking, ports of entry, airline positions or government jobs). Some laws prevent people who don’t pass a background check from working with the elderly, disabled or children.

Information in background checks

The reason a background check is conducted will dictate what information is made available to the potential employer. For example, someone working at a store would undergo less scrutiny than someone applying for a government position.

Information may include:

• Criminal records.
• Litigation records to determine if someone has filed a discrimination lawsuit against previous companies.
• Driving records are especially important if a potential employee will be driving in order to keep insurance premiums down.
• Drug tests are used for corporate ethics, measuring employee performance and keeping worker’s compensation premiums affordable.
• Education records to confirm that an employee has received a degree in college.
• Employment records can range form confirmation of past employment to discussions about performance.
• Financial information, to include credit scores, civil judgment and bankruptcy proceedings.
• Licensing records to access the licensee’s records.
• Military records.
• Social Security Number, or equivalent.

Controversial subjects

Many people argue about the ethics behind running drug tests and credit checks for employment purposes.