Background Screening

What Does It Consist Of?

In most cases a screening will include a check of a person's education, references, credit history, driving history, and criminal record. The depth of the screening usually depends on the type of position a person is applying for. In some cases a company has a general policy to do a complete background screening on all potential employees.

When an application is completed, signing the bottom of the form states that the applicant is telling the truth about what they have put in the application. It also states that if any of the information is false, the person can be terminated if they are hired. This is important to know when filling out an application. Many people have a tendency to fudge on their application in some areas. This, however, is not a good place to misrepresent information.

When information that is requested on an application is unknown, it is okay to put that on the form. Many individuals and businesses think that signing the application form gives the company permission to do the same type of thorough examination of a resume. This is not true. Unless you are asked to sign a waiver giving permission for the resume to be researched, a company may not check the information on the resume to see if it is true. When a resume is treated like an application without the permission of the applicant, it is an unauthorized invasion of privacy.

Most companies use a standard form for all potential employees. The form lists all of the background screening techniques and methods that may be used. You will be asked to approve each screening with an initial. Unless you are dealing with money, bookkeeping, etc., you do not need to approve a credit history check.

Unless your position will be dealing with money, finances, etc., within the company, they do not have a valid reason for invading your privacy on this issue. You have every right to deny permission for a total stranger to check your credit for no reason. Many companies have a form that is given to anyone applying for a job that includes all of the background screenings that are done. They ask that the potential employee approve all of the screenings even though it is not necessary. However, if you do agree to the screenings, the company can run the check whenever they want.

Talk With The Interviewer

When you know an uncomfortable item may be revealed in the background screening, talk to the interviewer about it. Letting the company know what to expect will be to your advantage. In many cases people who alert an interviewer to a possible problem can deal with it before the Background Check is submitted.

There is a lot of debate about background screening among a diverse group. Many individuals see this as a direct violation of a person's right to privacy. When a screening is done that is not related to a position and is not going to protect a company, then it is an invasion of your rights. It is important to know your rights regarding an Employee Background Check before you consent to the process with a potential employer.