What is Included in a Pre-Employment Background Check?

April 22, 2024

A pre-employment background check is an essential step in the hiring process, ensuring that candidates are truthful about their qualifications and have no history that could potentially harm the company or its employees. It is a comprehensive review of a candidate's past activities, including criminal records, employment history, education, credit history, and more.

• Criminal history check: One of the most critical components of a background check is to verify if the candidate has a criminal record and, if so, whether its severity, nature, and recency are mitigating factors against hiring them. Employers must navigate this delicately, considering what is legally permissible to inquire about in their jurisdiction as well as its relevance to the role.
• Employment verification: Confirming a prospective hire’s employment history involves contacting previous employers to verify the candidate's job titles, duration of employment, and, sometimes, their reasons for leaving. This step ensures the accuracy of the information provided by the candidate. In some jurisdictions, certain information may be legally prohibited from being divulged by a previous employer—for instance, whether someone was fired from a particular job.
• Education verification: Similar to employment verification, this process checks the candidate's educational qualifications. It involves contacting the educational institutions listed on the candidate's resume to verify the degrees or certificates that are claimed by the candidate.
• Credit history check: Particularly relevant for positions that involve financial responsibilities, a credit history check provides insight into a candidate's financial stability and responsibility. This check is subject to regulatory restrictions and must be relevant to the job.
• Drug screening: Many employers require a drug test as part of a background check to ensure a drug-free workplace. The specifics of the drug screening can vary based on the employer's policy and the job requirements. This can include screening for cannabis even in places where it is legal, and some employers may even opt for alcohol screening.
• Professional licensing and certification checks: For roles that require specific professional licenses or certifications, employers can verify that the candidate holds the necessary credentials and that they are in good standing.
• Reference checks: Contacting professional references provided by the candidate offers additional insights into the candidate's work ethic, skills, and accomplishments. This step helps employers gain a better understanding of how the candidate performs in a work setting. However, there is some potential for misleading results here, as many prospective candidates’ references may be former coworkers who are also personal friends of theirs, for instance. These references may be inherently inclined to give them an overly favorable review and, in some cases, perhaps falsely or exaggeratedly.
• Social media and online presence checks: Some employers review a candidate's online presence and social media profiles for potential red flags or behavior that could reflect poorly on the company. Some employers may even view a lack of social media presence as being a red flag, although this is more of a controversial perspective, as people may have many legitimate reasons for avoiding social media. This must be done with respect to privacy rights and relevant legal guidelines.
• Driving history checks: An essential step for any positions that require driving, this check reviews a candidate’s driving record for any violations, suspensions, or other driving-related issues. It helps employers assess if the candidate is a safe and responsible driver, ensuring that they meet the company's standards for roles involving vehicle operation.

Employers must navigate the background check process with an understanding of legal requirements, including consent from the candidate and compliance with laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the United States.

The Integral Role of ISB Global Services in Background Checks

ISB Global Services streamlines the pre-employment background check process, offering a comprehensive suite of services that include criminal record checks, employment and education verifications, driving history checks, credit history checks, and more. Their expertise and innovative technology solutions ensure accurate, timely, and legally compliant background checks, enabling employers to make informed hiring decisions with confidence. By partnering with ISB Global Services, businesses can mitigate risks, enhance workplace safety, and maintain high standards of integrity within their teams.