As the penultimate part of the pre-employment screening process, many employers conduct background checks to ensure they are making informed decisions about potential candidates. Employment background checks can provide valuable information about an individual’s employment history and confirm that the employer is not divesting off money over hiring a red flag.
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The main reasons why companies run pre-employment background checks is because of the legal liabilities and unwanted terminations.
What Will The Red Flags On Employment Background Checks Be?
One may wonder what’s included in a background check? A comprehensive background check for employment typically covers several key areas. While background checks primarily aim to verify information and ensure a safe working environment, certain red flags may arise during the process. These red flags can potentially impact a candidate’s chances of being hired.
Employment History
Employment history is a vital part of background check information. Employers would want to check the veracity of the information provided on a candidate’s resume. They may check employment dates, job titles, and reasons for leaving previous positions. Job seekers need to be completely honest about their work history and provide accurate and consistent information. Any discrepancies in the same is hailed as a red flag.
Credit History
Credit checks are often conducted for positions that involve handling money or sensitive financial information. Employers want to assess a candidate’s financial responsibility and determine if hiring them would pose a financial risk aka a red flag. Credit checks do not include credit scores but focus on factors such as payment history, debts, and any bills sent to collections.
A poor credit history, including missed payments, high debts, or accounts in collections, can raise questions about an individual’s financial responsibility. This is a clear red flag on an employment background check.
Driving Records
For positions that require driving, employers may review a candidate’s driving records. This is done to ensure that the individual has a clean driving record and can be entrusted with company vehicles.
A history of traffic violations, accidents, or driving under the influence (DUI) reflects on a poor driving record which can negatively impact an employer’s insurance rates and pose a risk to the safety of others on the road.
Criminal Records
As a responsible employer, providing a safe working environment for all employees is indubitable. Ergo, many companies conduct criminal background checks. This helps in identifying any past criminal activities of the potential individual, that may pose a risk to the workplace.
It is important to note that having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify a candidate. Employers follow guidelines set by the US Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to avoid discrimination based on race or other protected characteristics.
Job seekers must be aware of these red flags and address any potential issues proactively. Being transparent and honest throughout the application and pre-employment screening process can help build trust with employers.
Do Employment Background Checks Show Search History?
One nagging question that arises in every individual’s mind with ‘what information is in a background check’ is whether it includes their search history. The answer is no, background checks do not include search history.
Search history falls outside the scope of a standard employment background check. Some other parameters for what shows up in a background check are education verification and reference checks.
Education Verification: Employers may verify the educational background of candidates to ensure that they possess the required degrees or certifications for the job.
Reference Checks: Employers often contact the references provided by the candidate to gather additional insights into their work ethic, skills, and overall suitability for the position.
Do Background Checks Show Social Media?
A standard employment background check typically does not include a review of an individual’s social media presence, albeit it has become a significant part of people’s lives, both personally and professionally.
However, employers may choose to conduct a cursory search to gather any publicly available information that could impact their perception of a candidate. Job seekers should be mindful of their social media presence and ensure that their online activities align with their professional image.
Understanding what shows up in a background check is crucial for job seekers who want to present themselves accurately and avoid any deterrents that may arise during the pre-employment screening process.