While criminal background checks are a standard part of the hiring process, employers also rely on a variety of other pre-employment background checks to ensure they’re selecting the right candidates for the job. These checks vary depending on the role and industry. Some of the most common types include:
- Employment History Verification: Employers verify past employment details, including job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving to ensure the candidate’s work history is accurate.
- Education Verification: Employers check academic records to confirm the candidate’s claimed educational qualifications, such as degrees or certifications.
- Credit Checks: For roles that involve financial responsibilities or access to sensitive financial information, employers may review the candidate’s credit report to assess financial responsibility.
- Drug Testing: Many employers conduct drug screenings to ensure that candidates are not using illegal substances and to maintain a drug-free workplace.
- Reference Checks: Employers often contact professional or personal references to gain insights into the candidate’s character, work ethic, and past performance.
- Social Media Screening: Employers may review a candidate’s public social media profiles to gauge personality, values, and potential red flags (such as inappropriate content). Employers should limit their review to publicly available information and avoid accessing private or restricted accounts. Employers must do so responsibly, ensuring they don’t violate privacy, discrimination, or state laws.
- Driving Record Check: For positions that require driving, employers may check the candidate’s driving history for traffic violations, accidents, or DUIs.
- Professional License or Certification Verification: For jobs that require specific certifications or licenses (e.g., medical, legal, financial roles), employers will verify the validity and status of those credentials.
- Health and Physical Fitness Assessments: For physically demanding roles, employers may require medical exams or physical fitness assessments to ensure the candidate is physically capable of performing the job.
These checks are typically conducted with the candidate’s consent, and the type of checks performed will vary depending on the employer’s industry and the nature of the position.aHRrow can help you determine which background checks are right for the roles in your organization, help you find a trusted provider, and run your company’s pre-employment background checks if you like.