What Do Employee Background Checks Look For?

A background check on an employee is an essential part of the hiring process. They help employers to assess a potential employee’s criminal history, credit score, and work history.

It is important for businesses to conduct employee background checks in order to ensure that they are hiring the right people. However, many people do not know what information is included in a standard background check. In this article, we will explore what employers typically look for in a background check and what information is excluded.

In a Background Investigation, What Type of Information Is Collected?

There are three main types of information that are checked in a background check: criminal history, credit score, and work history. Criminal history includes any past arrests or convictions the applicant has had. A credit score is used to determine whether the applicant is responsible for money and could potentially be a financial risk to the company. Work history is used to see if the applicant has been fired from previous jobs or if they have a pattern of job hopping.

When you are hiring a new employee, it is important to do your research and find out as much information about them as possible. One way to do this is by running a background check on them. This will give you a detailed report of their criminal history, employment history, and credit score.

The following information is usually included in an employee background check:

• Criminal History: A background check will reveal any past criminal offenses that the employee has been involved in. This could include anything from petty theft to murder. It is important to know about an employee’s criminal history before hiring them, as it could affect their ability to work with the public or handle sensitive information.
• Employment History: A background check will also show an employee’s past employers and the positions they have held. This can be helpful in determining whether or not the individual has had experience in the field you are hiring for. It can also help you rule out any candidates who may have a bad work history.
• Credit Score: A person’s credit score can say a lot about their financial stability and responsibility. If an employee has a poor credit score, it could mean that they are more likely to take illegal actions in order to get money (e.g., stealing). It is therefore important to review an applicant’s credit score before making a final decision about hiring them.

What Is Not Included in a Background Check?

A background check is an important part of verifying the identity and history of someone who will be working with or around your children, elderly parents, or other vulnerable people. However, it is essential to note that not all aspects of a person’s history are included in a background check. 

There are many other things that are not typically included in a background check. These include education records, military service records, and social media posts/accounts. As such, it is important to remember that just because someone does not have any criminal history does not mean they are automatically qualified for the job or position you are hiring for.

The following are some things that may not be reviewed as part of a standard background check:

• Military records: A standard background check will not include information about deployments, medals received, or any other military activity.
• Education records: A standard background check will not include information about degrees earned, academic honors, or any other educational achievements. However, it will be included in an education verification check.
• Driving record: A standard background check will not include information about traffic tickets or accidents. This includes information such as accidents, tickets, and DUIs. However, some states do require drivers to submit their driving records when applying for a license or reinstatement thereof.

Conclusion

A background check is a process by which someone’s criminal history is checked. This can include arrests, convictions, and other information about criminal activity. For example,  an employer can find out if an applicant has any criminal convictions on their record. This can help paint a picture of the person’s character and whether or not they would be a good fit for the job. However, there are some things that are not included in a background check.