How to conduct background check investigation: A background check, also known as a criminal records check, is conducted to verify the validity of someone’s credentials. It can be used to verify employment history and qualifications, or it can be performed in other situations.

Employers often do background checks with the help of professional agencies for potential employees before hiring them. After reading the truthfinder review, it becomes easier for the organization to be aware of the services provided by the third party and the background check process.

A background check may also be done by a parent looking to hire a babysitter or a potential suitor for their children, Schools or colleges may even require applicants to have one before being admitted into their programs.

Recommended: How to introduce yourself professionally

Benefits of a background check

a. A background check is a process of verifying and validating the information about a person and it helps businesses in saving costs and resources in hiring and firing an individual with a criminal background.

b. Background check helps in preventing illegal activities or acts from being carried out by the employees and in return safeguard the organization’s personal and professional interest.

c. Background investigation helps in finding out whether there are records related to any criminal activity, drug addiction or mental illness while ensuring a healthy and safe work culture in the organization.

Also see: Differences between entrepreneur and intrapreneur

Which is better? In-house investigation or third party

Hiring a third party to do a background investigation can be a simple process or quite involved, depending on the scope of the business license investigation. Some employers outsource small tasks like this, while others take it as an opportunity to get rid of some unproductive staff and extend their reach throughout their company.

Furthermore, the laws surrounding background investigations are complex, and getting the necessary information requires expertise. Second, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates the collection and retrieval of consumer credit reports. This federal law covers what employers can and cannot access when investigating job applicants.

Recommended: Advantages And Disadvantages Of Hire Purchase

Steps for background checks

There are various aspects that need to be investigated while conducting a background check. Let us discuss them one by one :

1. Employment verification: The first step before hiring involves verifying the employee’s claims regarding their work history, including the firm they worked for, the type of job they used to perform, the number of years, and so forth.

There are several examples of potential candidates making exaggerated claims regarding their skill set, professional achievements, and other pieces of information that may influence their hiring.

2. Verify Educational Credentials: One in six candidates gives false information about their education or career history. A fake diploma or other credential is simple to generate thanks to new technologies and online businesses.

The background checker needs to cross-check the educational qualification with the candidate’s college to make sure they attended,  the course of study, and earned a degree there. The investigator should enquire about any further accomplishments they mention, such as graduating with honours, if they are made.

Although it may seem insignificant, an applicant who asserts credentials they never received can seriously damage the reputation of the business.

3. Criminal background verification: It’s crucial to know whether a prospective hire has ever been found guilty of a crime or entered a plea of not guilty. It’s crucial to first determine what kind of crime it was. An infraction or a felony?

What kind of crime was it, exactly? When did that happen? Was this the first time it had happened? If you’re still unsure about the applicant’s criminal background check, keep in mind that diversity applications frequently screen for a variety of criteria, including age, gender, and ethnicity as well as other elements like amount of education and job experience.