Employment Background Checks

What Do Employment Background Checks Include?

In this article, we’ll explain the pros and cons of background checks, their role in a successful hiring process, best practices, what exactly they should include, and what you as a hiring manager need to know to conduct them properly.

The most important facts

• Background checks help companies avoid hiring applicants with fake work experience.
• Most companies review the same information, but certain sectors such as finance and security need to review specific documentation.
• Background checks must comply with data protection laws.

What is a background check?

A background check is a pre-employment applicant screening process that examines information contained on an applicant’s resume, such as: B. work or training history must be checked.

Why are background checks done?

Background checks help employers get a more accurate picture of the people they want to hire into their company. This can also help avoid problems that arise from dishonest information on your CV or during an interview, such as: a fake university degree or a fake professional license.

The role of background checks in the hiring process

Conducting a background check can help companies avoid hiring applicants who do not have the background they claim. Because this could result in unqualified people filling important positions, it is essential for companies to conduct background checks on potential employees.

There are 10 background checks companies can perform throughout the hiring process (see below):

• Review of the right to work. This confirms that an applicant has the right to work in the UK or the country in which you intend to employ them by verifying their passport, immigration status form or other documents.

• Criminal record check. Also known as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), this check looks at an applicant’s previous criminal record, including cautions, cautions and convictions.

• Job references. This is where an applicant’s previous experience with the job they are applying for is reviewed. They serve to confirm an employee’s status within that company and provide insight into their day-to-day performance in that role.

• Educational references. This confirms an applicant’s educational background by contacting the educational institutions listed on the resume.

• Credit check. A credit check examines an applicant’s financial history and current financial situation so that the employer can assess whether the applicant poses a risk to the company.

• DVLA exam. The abbreviation stands for Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency and confirms the validity of an applicant’s driver’s license when applying for a job that requires driving a vehicle.

• Social media review. A background check performed on Facebook, Twitter and other social media profiles. This involves examining an applicant’s social media presence to determine whether they are engaging in antisocial behavior.

• Medical check. This confirms that the candidate is in good health for positions that do not require medical issues or a certain level of fitness.

• Check for international sanctions. This determines whether a candidate is associated with terrorism, animal rights abuses, arms trafficking, war crimes and other similarly abhorrent behavior. Police organizations and political parties most often carry out this test.

• UK sanctions review. Organizations perform this check when hiring people who have previously managed a company. This will examine whether they were involved in fraudulent activity or, if shares were involved, whether they continued trading while their company went under.

Examples of background checks by industry

Most companies conduct background checks on the people they hire, but in certain industries it is an essential requirement. Therefore, their checks are more thorough and may require additional special examinations.

The financial industry, for example, requires the usual documentation to prove previous experience, identity and criminal records. However, it also emphasizes registration with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This organization regulates financial companies to keep the market honest, competitive and fair.

Similar practices are used in the security industry: background checks include experience, identity and criminal history checks, as well as Security Industry Authority (SIA) certification. An SIA license means that the applicant is familiar with and will comply with the BS7858 standard set by the organization.

Background Check Process: Example

When conducting a background check, there are a few specific things you as an employer must do to comply with data protection laws. Below is the exact process you should follow:

1.Have a reason for the background check

Collecting private information must have a clear purpose that is clearly communicated to each applicant. A vague purpose for collecting information about a person can often indicate a fraudulent company or an attempt at identity theft.

2.Obtain the applicant’s consent

An applicant must consent to the background check before it is conducted. As already mentioned, the applicant must know exactly what they are consenting to, so as a hiring manager you should never assume consent.

3.Make the data accessible

Make sure the candidate has easy access to the information you’ve collected so they know what you’ve discovered. If the background check is not positive, you should also explain why you rejected the applicant.

4.Keep the data safe

Keep the information in a safe place so that no one with bad intentions gets their hands on it. Establish a protocol to securely destroy this information if necessary.

Frequently asked questions about background checks

What is a background check?

It is a process for screening applicants based on the information on their CV, e.g. their level of education or their professional career can be checked.

As a human resources manager, what should I look for when conducting a background check?

When conducting background checks, hiring managers typically look for:

• Review of the right to work

• Criminal record

• Job references

• Educational references

• Financial history

• Social media profiles

Why does someone fail a background check?

The most common reasons for failing a background check are discrepancies in employment history, resume, and undisclosed financial problems such as bankruptcies or delinquent loans.

How long does a background check take?

It typically takes three to five days to fully review an applicant.