Employee Background Screening – Get Info On Your Future Employees
For most people who apply for a position, background screening is a common practice. The screening may be in depth or a superficial screening depending on the type of position for which one is applying. When the background screening is complete, a person may not get a job based on what the information received has revealed.
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.
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.
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.
When you know that an item is going to show up in the background check, it is important to talk about it. Discussing the issue with the interviewer will save time. It will also keep the company from being surprised by the information that they receive. Being candid with the interviewer shows you are earnest in your desire to attain a position within the company.
There is a lot of debate about 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 Screening before you consent to the process with a potential employer.
