Pre-employment Background Checks
Pre-employment credit and background checks are conducted for one reason, people lie. Studies show that 36.5% of applicants in 2005 provided past employment verifications that had major discrepancies. Out of those applicants, 8.5% have a criminal record and 41% have serious motor vehicle violations that include DUI’s and possession of drugs! Checking the criminal history of applicants is just one step employers need to take in order to ensure their safety and the safety of those working under them. It is considered their responsibility to provide a safe working environment for all. They help prevent work place violence and employee theft. Previous felony and misdemeanor convictions can be signal flags of potential problems that may arise with an applicant. It is one way that employers assess each applicant’s risk level to the company and to the people working in it. Credit history checks are important to employers because they indicate whether and how an employee can impinge on the company financially. This may depend on the type of job the applicant is being considered for. Accounting positions, or positions where the employee will be entrusted with a corporate credit or purchasing card depend on applicants who have been responsible with their finances in the past. Reports often include verification of the applicants name, current address, phone number, current employer, previous employers, and any aliases. The credit report also includes the applicants public records, collection accounts, current or previous delinquent accounts, and types of credit. Background checks can help employers hire more quickly and efficiently.