What To Look For In Background Checks

By Turn Staff
On July 19, 2023

Background Checks, Hiring, Software, SSN

Background checks serve as a valuable and straightforward tool for employers to promote a safe workplace and provide equal opportunities to all candidates. In fact, 94% of businesses utilize background checks. So what exactly should employers search for in these checks?

How background checks are performed

Every employer will have a unique approach depending on:

Job type
Industry
Location

Employers face challenges in gathering public record information independently for background checks. Compliance with laws and regulations influences their approach to pre-employment checks. To mitigate risks, many opt for trusted third-party solutions to ensure thorough and lawful screening processes.

What to look for in background checks

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes the federal guidelines for an employer’s use of information in a background check. It specifies what information can be considered and emphasizes the need for candidate consent before initiating the background check process.

When conducting a background check, evaluate candidates based on their suitability for a role and their ability to fulfill its associated responsibilities.

Here are some common types of information that Turn delivers in a background check:

Social Security Number (SSN) Trace: Conducting an SSN trace allows employers to verify the authenticity of a candidate’s social security number and uncover any discrepancies or inconsistencies in their reported information.

Sex Offender Registry: Checking the sex offender registry helps identify candidates with a history of sexual offenses, ensuring they are not employed in positions where they could pose a risk to vulnerable populations.

Global Watchlist Records: Screening global watchlist records helps identify individuals involved in illegal activities or who are prohibited from certain types of employment due to federal sanctions or legal restrictions.

National Criminal Records: Running a national criminal records check provides a comprehensive overview of a candidate’s criminal history across different jurisdictions, enabling employers to make informed decisions about their suitability for the role.

County Checks: County checks are an important component of a criminal background check screening package as county courts are the most accurate, up-to-date sources of criminal records and most felony and misdemeanor cases are filed in county courts.

Motor Vehicle Records: For positions that involve driving or operating company vehicles, checking motor vehicle records is crucial to assess a candidate’s driving history, including traffic violations, accidents, and license status.

Secure and Fair Hiring with Background Checks

Background checks play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and fair hiring process for employers. By following the guidelines set forth by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), employers can access relevant information to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for a role. By partnering with a reputable background checks company like Turn, employers can make informed decisions and create a secure work environment while providing equal opportunities to all candidates.

for a free consultation to review your current screening process.

Disclaimer:

Turn’s Blog does not provide legal advice, guidance, or counsel. Companies should consult their own legal counsel to address their compliance responsibilities under the FCRA and applicable state and local laws. Turn explicitly disclaims any warranties or assumes responsibility for damages associated with or arising out of the provided information.

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