What is a background check? Why should my company conduct them?
Background checks help employers minimize risk for their company and their employees. They provide varying levels of information, depending on the type of position and job duties. Job applicants, current employees, and volunteers may all be asked to submit background checks. For some positions, screening is required by federal or state law. As emphasis on security & safety in the workplace heightens, numbers of employment background checks dramatically increases. Some points to consider
when weighing the need for a background check include the following circumstances:
– Recent child abuse and abduction cases have resulted in new laws for almost every state, requiring criminal background checksfor those working with children. This move toward child protection now includes volunteers serving as coaches and troop leaders.
– Terrorist acts have resulted in heightened security and identity-verification strategies by employers. Both potential candidates and tenured employees alike are examined with a new eye following September 11, 2001.
– The Enron debacle and other corporate scandals have prompted a new degree of scrutiny in both professional and private life for executives, officers, and directors.
– Unfortunately, resume fraud is a reality employers must face. HR professionals are becoming more alert to this fact and are wary of accepting a candidate’s word at face value.
– Federal and state laws often require background checks for certain jobs. These positions include anyone working with children, the elderly, or the disabled.
– As the ‘information age’ has made it easier and less costly to conduct background checks, many employers find it more feasible to include screening in their hiring policy.