A background check is a process businesses use to collect information about potential employees. This information can include criminal history, education verification, and employment verification. Background checks are a vital tool for businesses as they allow employers to make informed decisions about who they hire.

There are many reasons why businesses should conduct background checks on  their employees. Some of the most important reasons include: 

To protect the safety of employees and customers 

A background check can help you identify any criminal convictions or other red flags that could put your employees or customers at risk. By conducting a background check, you can ensure that you are not hiring anyone with a history of violence or other criminal behavior. 

To protect the company from liability 

Background checks can help you identify employees who may be a risk for legal action. For example, if an employee is involved in a car accident while on the job, you may be held liable if you did not conduct a background check and were aware of the employee’s prior convictions.

To comply with state and federal laws 

Many states and federal agencies have laws that require businesses to conduct background checks on their employees. By conducting background checks, you can ensure that you comply with all applicable laws. 

Before conducting a background check, you will need to collect several pieces of information from the applicant. This information includes: 

• Full name 
• Date of birth 
• Social Security number 
• Current address and previous addresses 
• Employment history 
• Education history 
• Criminal history 
• Credit score and credit report 
• Driving record 
• The applicant’s consent to run a background check 

You should also collect the contact information for the applicant’s references. It is important to note that you cannot require applicants to provide this information, but  you can ask them if they are willing to offer it. If they don’t, you can still conduct a background check, but you will not have access to as much information.

There are several ways that you can conduct a background check on an employee.  The most common methods include:

Conducting a search of public records 

This is the most basic type of background check. A public records search will allow you to access information about an employee’s criminal history and driving record. 

Contacting the employee’s previous employers 

You can contact previous employers to verify the applicant’s employment history  and salary. You can also ask for any references or recommendations the employer may have. 

Contacting the employee’s educational institutions 

You can contact educational institutions to verify the applicant’s education history and degree earned. 

Running a criminal background check 

You can run a criminal background check to see if the applicant has any criminal convictions. 

Most businesses rely on their Human Resources department to perform these background checks, but it can be difficult for HR directors to do this on their own. That’s where a background screening service company comes in. 

These companies have the resources and expertise necessary to conduct comprehensive background checks on potential employees. They can also help  businesses stay compliant with all the relevant employment laws. 

Background screening is an integral part of safeguarding your workplace. By staying ahead of the curve and knowing what types of checks are legally required, you can ensure that your employees are safe and that your business complies with employment law.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive background checking solution, contact SRA Screening today. We have the resources and expertise necessary to help your business thrive.