INDEPENDENCE
DAY
This
month we not only celebrate our independence and founding as
a new nation, we also honor our original veterans. If not for
them, we would not be here today to celebrate. Let us take a
moment and remember them when we are celebrating the 4th of July.
BACKGROUND
CHECKS
Why do employers do background checks on potential employees?
Here are a few of the reasons for employment screening: Child
abuse & child abductions, Terrorist Acts, False or Inflated
Information, Federal & State Laws, Negligent Hiring &
Corporate Executives. Not every reason applies to every applicant
but most individuals will fall into one or more reasons depending
on the position you are applying for, who the company is and
what the company does.
The next question is, what sources are used by employers when
conducting a background check? They can range from verification
of an applicant's Social Security number to a detailed account
of the potential employee's past and acquaintances. Here are
some of the pieces of information that might be included in
a background check: Driving Records, Vehicle Registration, Credit
Records, Criminal Records, Social Security #, Education Records,
Court Records, Workers Compensation, Bankruptcy, Character References,
Neighbor Interviews, Medical Records, Property Records, Military
Records, Drug Tests, Past Employers, Personal References, Sex-offender
Lists, and Incarceration Records. Note that many of these sources
are public records created by government agencies and available
for anyone to request and view. |
|
Next,
who conducts these background checks? It can vary from professional
companies that specialize in background investigations too simply
company personnel calling references & past employers. Large
companies generally have relationships already established with
companies that do employment screening.
The
biggest question is, "What will my past employers say about
me?". Well, a former boss can say anything [truthful] about
your performance. However, most employers have a policy too
only confirm dates of employment, final salary, and other limited
information.
Why will an employer check a credit history even if you're not
handling money? A credit history check is generally used to
gauge your level of responsibility. Most employers believe if
you are not reliable in paying your bills, then you will not
be a reliable employee. A credit report also includes information
about your former addresses and previous employers. Potential
employers can use this as one way to verify the accuracy of
information you provide on an application or resume. Even if
you never use credit, it might be held against you.
How do you prepare for a possible background check? Do your
own first. Order a copy of your credit report, check court records,
order a copy of your DMV record, ask to see you personnel file
at your present employer, and inform neighbors and colleagues.
The
Springfield IETC will be closed
Monday,
July 5th and
Monday
September 6th. |
