Background Checks - Get To Know Your Employee-To-Be
Most positions require some form of background screening. When companies work with the public there are regulations that often require background screening of employees prior to employment. When a person receives a background screening they may not get a job if the screening reflects negative information.
In most cases the screening that is conducted may include a credit history, education background, reference check, driving history, and criminal record. This in depth screening is not necessary for many types of positions and it is important that the screening you agree to matches the position for which you are applying.
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.
It is important to read the screening waiver you are signing. When a box indicates a screening that is not related to the job you are applying for, cross it out. Write on the line above this area that you are not allowing the screening in this area. This is very important with credit histories. When a company is checking your credit history for no reason related to the job, they are going to impact your credit score.
When a request for a credit history is made it can affect your credit score. If the company is going to commit to providing you with a loan at some point then you may want them to check your credit now. However, in most cases, the credit check is just a standard part of the process and the companies doing this do not consider that it is not relevant to the position and can impact your credit score.
If something is going to come back on the background check that has not been discussed with the interviewer, you will want to talk about it before the screening is sent. For instance, if there is a felony criminal record, it will show up on the background screening. By preparing the company for this ahead of time they will not feel that you have been deceitful. It is important that any negative information that may come back be discussed prior to the screening process.
There is a lot of debate about Employee Background Check 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 Background Check before you consent to the process with a potential employer.
