Background Check is a process by which an employer checks out the criminal, commercial and financial records of a prospective employee. This is usually done after the interview has been successful and the employer is contemplating adding the employee to the company’s team. Background checks are also conducted to verify all information provided by the candidate on his CV and during the interview.
The purpose of a background check is to know the risks involved with hiring a potential employee. When it is conducted, the employer can then decide if he will go ahead to hire the employee or not. That way, the company is not exposed to any risk resulting from not validating information provided by the candidate.
The background checks conducted by employers on candidates are mainly categorized into the following:
Employment Checks: This is done to gain information on the work history of the employee. In this check, the employer verifies his previous organization, his job title and his general work performance in the previous company. This can be done b contacting the previous employer.
Educational Check: This validates the educational qualifications provided by the candidate during the interview process. It verifies the school, grades and performance in this school employers can do this by contacting the school for this information.
Referee Check: In this check, employers reach out to referees provided by the candidate. This is done to ascertain the character of the employee and to be sure he would be a good fit in the organization.
Other types of background check include:
Employers who conduct background checks for prospective and existing employers soon realise that this act enables them to build trust with their employees. There is no fear of lies and inconsistencies, which makes working together smoother and more fulfilling. However, most employers who run background checks do not always handle it themselves. They are usually outsourced to agencies that provide the services. This also helps the company concentrate on other important aspects of the business or company.
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