4 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Conducting Background Checks

Looking for the right person to fill a position can be a long and strenuous process. Part of that process involves looking into the candidates’ past, whether that involves their work history, educational background, or other public records. Working with a company to conduct your background checks will help you feel confident you’re finding the right people for your company. Keep the following points in mind to avoid trouble. Here are four common mistakes to avoid when conducting background checks.

Not Having a Background Check Policy in Place

Before you begin performing background checks, you should establish a background check policy. This means setting standards for hiring and background checks. Have your human resources department draft a policy, then run it by your attorney. Once you’re sure it meets the requirements of the law, follow it with every employee and job candidate. Otherwise, you might risk legal repercussions for discriminatory hiring practices.

Thinking You Need a Comprehensive Background Check

Most of the time, you don’t need to know everything, as in every single scrap of information about a job candidate. That can be costly, and most of the information garnered will be irrelevant. Decide what sort of background checks apply to the position. If it’s a teaching position, investigate the candidate’s educational background, certifications, and if they’re on the sex offender registry. Will they be operating heavy machinery or a company vehicle? Check the candidate’s driving record for DUIs and traffic violations.

Failure To Get the Candidate’s Permission

It’s a given that employers will check a candidate’s past to see if their resume and interview line up with their past and reputation. That’s not carte blanche to invade their privacy, however. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, all employers must receive consent from candidates to investigate their backgrounds. Of course, qualified candidates will gladly give consent, while unqualified ones likely won’t. Still, written consent must be acquired before proceeding.

Not Bothering To Perform Background Checks

Here’s the last of our four common mistakes to avoid when conducting background checks. Running background checks costs employers money, and you may feel the urge to skip checks on certain employees who are part-time workers, temporary help, or other non-full-time employees. Big mistake! Anyone with access to your company’s resources bears review; otherwise, you may face an unpleasant surprise in their performance, behavior, or actions in the future. Stick to a policy of universal background checks, and be prepared!