Background Check Verification: What Do Employers Look At?

In order to ensure that an organization hires only qualified and trustworthy candidates, pre-employment background checks are essential. Most large companies and government agencies rely on employment background checks to verify the accuracy of candidates’ resumes. These checks provide a reliable view of an applicant’s past, such as employment history, educational background, criminal records, or military service. 

In addition to verifying credentials, employment background checks can reveal financial information, such as lawsuits, bankruptcies, liens, judgments, or previous work-related injuries. Some employers may not perform thorough background checks, putting them at risk of hiring a potential thief or other criminals.

It’s a lengthy process that includes many steps. A prospective employer can request a background check during the interview process, which applicants sign authorizing employers or third-party service providers to look into specific areas of their life.

Below are some of the facts that Employers or third-party service providers look at:

Work Experience/Employment Verification

With your permission, your future employer may contact your previous employers. Verifying your employment dates and positions will be done by contacting the companies listed on your resume or application. Additionally, reference people you’ve provided can be contacted to verify your performance and character, if necessary.

Certificates and Licenses

In the same way that employers verify your previous employment, educational or licensing institutions will be contacted by your prospective employers to confirm your academic and licensing credentials. Upon request, your future employer will check on the status of any professional licenses you may have to make sure they are all accurate.

In most cases, educational background verification verifies an individual’s certifications obtained directly from schools or universities, such as dates of attendance, major, degree courses attained, and degree completion.

Criminal Record/History

These background checks have become increasingly popular over the years as more lawsuits claim that employers were negligent in hiring or retaining employees who had engaged in acts of workplace violence or had damaged property. Criminal history background checks typically include searches of local, state, and national databases, as well as federal courts, to determine whether an applicant or employee has been convicted of any criminal offences, such as felonies or misdemeanours.

Drug Use

If your future employer asks for a drug test, you’ll go to a collection centre (a clinic or a laboratory) and submit a specimen such as urine. Your future employer predetermines this lab’s drug testing. Providing proof of a doctor’s prescription is not required when discussing a medication you were prescribed, but you should be prepared to provide your medical history if pressed.

Records Relating to Automobiles

As long as your job requires you to get behind the wheel, your future employer will likely conduct a background check on your driving record. If you want to be covered while riding around in one of their cars, you’ll need this. This report will include information on driving violations, suspensions, and felony and misdemeanour convictions for driving under influence. Understandably, you may feel like you’re in a dilemma during your background check. However, if you have the correct information, you can be confident that the information you obtain is exact, honest, and in your best interests. Good luck!