Critical Reports for Pre-Employment Background Screening - Beyond Criminal History

Critical Reports for Pre-Employment Background Screening - Beyond Criminal History

When it comes to pre-employment background screening today's modern workplace is beginning to evolve and change. Key reports utilized in the vetting process have moved beyond a simple criminal records check. In light of on-going "Ban-The-Box" legislative action and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's recent guidance, the use of criminal history records has come under intense scrutiny. Sophisticated Human Resource Departments know that working with a third-party background screening company on alternative reports and documentation can provide critical data required to make an informed decision on an employment applicant.

Two areas pre-employment data research prove valuable are with Motor Vehicle Records Checks and Professional Verifications.

A Motor Vehicle Records Check can provide information from the Department of Motor Vehicles and highlight a potential applicants driving history. Certainly not every employee would need a Motor Vehicle Records check, but the insight provided could be beneficial. Understanding if a candidate has a valid driver's license or any infractions could affect the hiring decision.

For employees that are tasked with driving for a company either as a direct representative, such as a sales profession, or indirect, such as an office assistant running company errands, a hiring manager should not pass on a motor vehicle record review.

Adam Almeida, President and CEO of CriminalBackgroundRecords.com states: "A driving record is an excellent document to have during the hiring process. A bad driver can greatly affect insurance costs, specifically with outside sales representatives that require a company vehicle to conduct business."

Of course driving records are a must for any warehousemen or commercial drivers making deliveries to company customers or picking up product for a supplier. A single incident involving a company employee utilizing a company vehicle could create a significant liability. It is always best to avoid the opportunity of exposure rather than invite risk.

A motor vehicle records check is an excellent addition to any pre-employment background screening package.

Beyond a motor vehicle records check, as a critical document for any employee utilizing a company vehicle or using a personal vehicle for company business, is professional verifications.

As many Human Resource professionals would indicate, professional verifications may be the single most important report available.

Almeida states: "Verification of information is, in a nutshell, the key role of background screening. Finding valid and verifiable information is paramount. And verifying professional achievements, certifications, education, and employment is obviously a critical aspect of pre-employment screening."

While there are any number of areas verification can come into consideration there are five key areas employers most often consider: Employment, Education, Credentials, Personal and Professional References.

Almeida states: "Verifying information can be a challenge and one best suited for a professional background screener. These operators are highly trained and have the skills needed to gather legal and compliant information from previous employers, universities, as well as personal and professional references."

A reputable third-party background screening agency will have the tools and staff capable of providing verifications, both through database sourcing and interpersonal information gathering. Employment verification often involves a phone call and exchange of information via fax or email. Education verification can be received through on-line clearinghouses or direct contact with an educational institution. Credentials, such as certificate achievement or professional credential, can be verified through organizations tasked with the credentialing process. And, lastly, personal and professional verifications require a company researcher to contact a given individual and gather information via interview.

Ultimately there are more pieces of information available to hiring managers other than criminal history reports, but key reports and processes include Motor Vehicle Records and Verifications. Each has importance to the hiring decision.

CriminalBackgroundRecords.com is a third-party background screening company that can provide a low-cost background screening program for businesses and companies of all types and sizes. With a dedicated and highly trained staff, CriminalBackgroundRecords.com can provide a wide variety of data points, including Motor Vehicle Records and verifications.

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