Almost every business, regardless of size, requires some type of employment verification. A pre-employment background check can help to ensure that an applicant is a good fit for the company and has a clean criminal record. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about conducting a criminal background check on a potential employee.
How do you conduct a background check?
When you need to conduct a background check on a prospective employee, there are several different entities that can help you do so. The government is one of those entities, as they have access to criminal records from all over the country. Private companies that conduct background checks are another option, and these companies often specialize in doing criminal background checks for employers. You can also conduct a background check online using a people finder website like backgroundcheck.co.
No matter who conducts the background check, there are a few things that employers need to know. First, it’s important to understand the laws governing criminal record searches in your state. There may be restrictions on the information you can access and how you can use it. Second, make sure you have a clear understanding of which crimes are considered disqualifying for employment. Finally, always get consent from the applicant before running a background check of any kind.
What information is included in a criminal background check?
The information included in a background check varies by jurisdiction and service, but most reports include criminal history, court records, and sex offender registry records. A criminal history report includes identifying information about the individual, such as name, date of birth, and Social Security number, along with a listing of all arrests and convictions. Criminal record checks also include sex offender registries and terrorist watch lists.
State and federal law require that certain information be included in criminal background checks, such as convictions for certain crimes or dishonesty offenses. However, some states allow employers to request additional information, such as driving records or credit reports.
How far back does a criminal background check go?
Criminal records can go back several years, depending on the state or county where the person was convicted. Some states have restrictions on how far back a background check can go, while others do not. A criminal history can include arrests that did not result in a conviction, as well as convictions for felonies and misdemeanors. Such records may also contain information about juvenile offenses, though many do not because crimes committed as a juvenile are typically sealed from public view.
Which criminal offenses can disqualify someone from getting a job?
Certain convictions may disqualify a person from holding certain jobs. For example, a person with a conviction for a violent crime may not be eligible to work in a position that involves contact with the public. A person charged with drug possession may not be eligible for a job in the health care industry.
A criminal history can also impact a person’s ability to obtain a professional license or housing. Some states allow people with criminal records to petition the government to have their records expunged or sealed. This means that the record is not automatically destroyed, but it is not available to the general public.
Many landlords also do background checks on potential tenants, so those with a criminal past may have a hard time finding a place to live. In some cases, a criminal history can even prevent someone from getting a driver’s license or voting.
Background checks are an important part of the hiring process that allows employers to see a potential employee’s criminal history and make a decision about whether or not to hire them.
