What is Background Check?
A background check or background investigation is a review of a potential employee's criminal, commercial, and financial records and is done to validate information written on an employment application or CV. It can include past employment verification and credit history, license records, and criminal records checks.
Background check definition
A background check is a process used by employers to verify the information provided by a candidate and to ensure that the candidate is a suitable fit for the position. It involves reviewing a candidate’s background based on criteria determined by the employer, which can include professional, legal, and financial aspects. Key components of a background check often include:
Criminal Record Check: Verifying whether the candidate has a criminal history. The extent of this check can vary based on local laws and the nature of the job.
Employment Verification: Confirming the candidate’s previous employment history, including dates of employment, positions held, and reasons for leaving.
Education Verification: Checking the validity of educational qualifications and certifications listed by the candidate.
Credit History Check: Reviewing the candidate’s credit history, which is particularly relevant for positions that involve financial responsibilities.
Reference Check: Contacting former employers, colleagues, or other references provided by the candidate to learn about their work ethic, skills, and performance.
Drug Testing: Some employers require candidates to pass a drug test as part of the background check process.
Driving Record Check: For positions that require driving, employers might check the candidate's driving history, including any traffic violations or accidents.
Social Media and Internet Check: Reviewing the candidate’s public profiles on social media and internet presence to gain insights into their character and behavior.
Professional Licenses and Certifications: Verifying that any professional licenses or certifications required for the position are valid and up to date.
Health Screenings: Depending on the job, some employers may require health screenings to ensure the candidate is capable of performing the job duties.
Background checks are conducted to ensure workplace safety, protect company assets, comply with industry regulations, and maintain a reputable workforce. The depth and scope of a background check can vary significantly depending on the nature of the job, the industry, and the employer's policy. It's important for these checks to be conducted in a manner that is fair, consistent, and compliant with privacy laws and anti-discrimination regulations.
When do to a background check?
The optimal timing for conducting a background check is typically after a candidate has successfully gone through the initial recruitment stages and you are seriously considering them for the position. The common practice is to conduct it at these specific points:
Post-Interview, Pre-Offer Stage: After the candidate has passed the interview process and you've determined they are a strong contender for the position, but before a formal job offer is made. This way, you ensure that resources spent on background checks are reserved for only the most promising candidates.
Conditional Job Offer: Often, employers extend a job offer contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. This means the offer is made, but it is not finalized until the background check results come back satisfactory. This approach ensures that the candidate is genuinely interested in the position and agrees to undergo the background check.
Before Final Employment Confirmation: The background check should be completed and reviewed before the candidate officially starts their job. This allows the employer to make fully informed hiring decisions and address any potential issues that might arise from the background check results.
Legal Compliance Considerations: It's crucial to conduct background checks in compliance with relevant employment laws. This includes obtaining the candidate's consent to perform the background check and ensuring that the process respects privacy and anti-discrimination laws. Some regions or countries have specific regulations about when and how background checks can be carried out, so it's important to be aware of these legal requirements.
By conducting background checks at these stages, employers can balance the need to fill positions promptly with the due diligence required to ensure they hire the right candidates.
How long does a background check take?
The duration of a background check can vary depending on several factors, including the type and depth of the check being conducted, the responsiveness of references or other entities involved, and the specific processes of the background check provider. Generally, here's what you can expect:
Basic Background Checks: These usually take between 24 hours to 3 days. Basic checks include criminal record checks, verification of identity, and simple employment history checks.
Comprehensive Background Checks: More in-depth checks can take longer, typically around 5-10 days. These include education verification, detailed employment history, credit checks, and checking multiple databases for criminal records.
International Background Checks: If the background check includes verifying information or records from other countries, it can take longer due to differences in international data access and legal procedures. These checks can take several weeks.
Factors Causing Delays: Certain issues can extend the time frame, such as discrepancies in the information provided by the candidate, slow responses from former employers or educational institutions, or a backlog with the background check service.
Legal and Compliance Factors: Compliance with legal requirements, especially in different jurisdictions, can also affect the timeline. Ensuring accuracy and adhering to legal standards may add time to the process.
It's important for employers to communicate with candidates about the expected timeline for the background check and to keep them informed if there are any delays. This transparency helps maintain a positive candidate experience. Additionally, candidates should be encouraged to provide accurate and complete information to avoid unnecessary delays.