| BY SETH RYAN
Finding the right employee to fill a need at your company can be a time-consuming, challenging process. And though many candidates might seem perfect on paper, the truth is, you can’t be completely sure how well an employee will fit.
This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to conduct a thorough employment background check on prospective employees.
Though you might not uncover everything you need to know, an employee background check can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Learn how to do a background check on an applicant
Look into Employment History
A resume generally consists of a summary of the applicant’s past work titles and experiences. If the applicant has given their permission, contact former employers to confirm job duties, length of employment, past salary, and more. If you come across inconsistencies, proceed with caution when offering a job opportunity to the applicant.
Contact References
Most job applications include references. References can be a good resource for learning more about a person before making a hiring decision. However, keep in mind that no one is ever going to list a reference who would speak negatively about them.
You can take things a step further by asking the supplied references for additional references. Ask to speak to former colleagues as well as direct supervisors to give you a well-rounded idea of what the applicant is like to work with.
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Online Screening
A simple Google search can give you lots of information about a person. Be careful not to make snap judgments or believe everything you read.
If you come across some information that concerns you, don’t hesitate to ask the job seekers about it. There might be a reasonable explanation for the issue in question, so give prospective employees the chance to defend themselves.
Social media sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook can tell you a lot about a job applicant as well. See who they are connected to on LinkedIn and who has endorsed them for certain skills. Facebook profiles can be very insightful as well, but remember that these posts are only snapshots and don’t always show the full picture.
Confirm Credentials
If you’re looking for a candidate with certain credentials, such as a certification or degree in a specific field, you’ll want to confirm this information and perform not only a check of their employment records but also an education verification.
When you conduct a pre-employment screening, call or email the university or school where they obtained said degree for confirmation. This step of the background check process might prove to be more valuable than you think when you choose potential employees.
Applicants should expect employers to verify this information for employment purposes. Make sure you do this when a job description states a requirement for a specific degree or training.
Drug Screening
According to Concentra, drug screening is pretty common with any pre-employment background check, especially for positions where the candidate is expected to work with heavy machinery or in dangerous situations.
If you’re serious about a particular applicant, you can have them take a drug test before you move forward in the hiring process.
Why you should hire a private investigator to perform employment background check screening?
Private investigators are often hired to perform comprehensive pre-employment background checks. They have access to databases and resources that the average person does not, which makes them ideal for this type of work.
When conducting a background check, private investigators will typically look for criminal records, financial history, and any past employment history. They may also talk to references provided by the applicant.
A criminal background check is a key component of any private investigator’s toolkit. By running a check on an individual’s criminal history, investigators can get a better sense of who they are dealing with and what their motivations may be.
There are a number of ways to go about conducting a criminal history background check. While many believe Google can provide accurate criminal background reports, the truth is that search engines are never enough if you want to perform thorough research on a person’s criminal activity. A Google search can provide some basic information about the subject, but the report is rarely accurate or complete.
To get more accurate information, private investigators will often search public records for their customers. This can include court records, arrest records, and other documents that are available to the public. This type of search can take some time, but it’s often worth it to get the necessary information and help employers with the hiring process.
Private investigators may also use other methods to provide background check services, such as talking to neighbors or colleagues of the subject. This can be helpful in getting more personal information about the person being investigated and improving the background screening report.
Many employers will also ask for a credit report to help them make employment decisions. Credit inquiries allow them to know if the applicant is financially responsible. A private investigator can help with this by running a credit check and looking for any red flags.
Employment background reports may also include identity verification of the persons applying for the job. The employer may want to verify that the applicant is who they say they are. This step of employment verification can be done by checking their ID and running a Social Security number trace. A private investigator can do the research and verification on the applicant’s behalf.
Final Thoughts on How to Do a Background Check
If you’re wondering how to do a background check in the most thorough manner possible, the best route is to hire an investigator. A trained personal investigator has tactics and methods that the average employer doesn’t have access to.
Employment background checks are an important tool that employers can use to help ensure workplace safety for their employees and customers. Background checks can help identify applicants who may have conviction records or a history of violence or theft, and can also provide information about an applicant’s employment history and education.
Performing background checks on job applicants can help employers avoid hiring individuals who may pose a threat to their business operations. This is the best course of action if they want to keep their business safe. In some cases, background checks may also help employers negotiate lower insurance rates.
To learn more about how an investigator can assist you in the hiring process, contact us or visit our website for more information.
