Background checks -Can we get away with this?

Background checks which are a critical component in hiring can cause organizational failure if not properly implemented. About 30% of business failure is caused by a poor hiring decision in US. Effective background checks can mitigate the risk of hiring objectionable employees.

Background checking is the process of authentication of the information supplied to a potential employer by a job applicant in his or her job application. Background checking ensures the employer that the applicant has the relevant background and experience that he or she claims. In most application processes, lying about background and credentials is the most common practice by the applicant. Moreover, if it surfaces at a later date through a background check, that an employee lied about his credentials, qualifications, experience, education and so forth, the employer has the right to fire the employee. This assumes that the employee signed a statement attesting to the truth of his or her credentials.

Most common background checks includes, Verification of: 1) academic credentials; 2) prior employment position, longevity, salary, and job performance; 3) professional references and letters of recommendation;

Background checking is usually conducted by HRD, however sometimes; the head of the Department also provides assistance with reference background checking.

In today’s economic environment, where every business unit is cutting costs, the biggest expense for businesses is to locate, interview, and train a new talent with careful thought and consideration. One of the most cost-effective ways for a smart hiring decision is to pre-screen candidates through background checks that not only cut down on bad hiring decisions but proactively protect your company.

Most of the small businesses often abstain from candidate background checks due to 1) indulgent behavior which gives some false sense of working closely with employees. 2) less understanding of legal liabilities which are associated with candidate screening.

Now, business units where employees directly interact with customers, an employee with a previous history of wrongdoing can harm customer and a small or medium-sized business may never recover from such a lawsuit.

Here are something about the background checks that you need to know.

1) Outsource Your Pre-Employment Screening to vendors

Small businesses undertaking pre-employment screening can employ the services of a vendor who specializes in background checking, who can help in finding accurate, complete information on job candidates. Certain pre-requisites before employing the services of a background checking vendor are as follows: 1) if you’re outsourcing pre-employment screening, take the necessary time to educate yourself on the process. 2) calibrate your joining process with the vendor doing the employment screening. 3) the company you choose to do your background checks should have a toll-free number answered by a real person. 4) perform a Google search to make out your decision when for any negative results, if found, then, move on and use a different provider of background checks.

2) Understand your need for Background Checks

If your business needs to know everything about a potential employee, then an extensive background check is what you need. Get every piece of information about a potential employee, even if it cost a lot for these background checks. However, if you are hiring a telecalling employee for a bpo, a reference check with a criminal background check and a technical certification background check should be all you need.

3) Supplement Background Checks with Web Search

Supplementing background checks with a web search can help in finding social network profile of an employee, by obtaining an insight into the kind of person and what types of blog he or she writes about. However, doing a Google search is definitely not a trustworthy source of information about a potential employee’s background as anyone can enter anything they want on a social network profile

By following above steps, you can create a happy ending through effective background checks.