Background Checks

What background checks may an employer request from new hires? Not all employers will do each of the type of check mentioned below, but good to know all of the main possibilities.

Formal checks an employer could ask you to authorize:

1. Criminal background Check
2. Enhance Police Information Check
3. Criminal Records Check
4. Credit Bureau Inquiry Check
5. Employment Verification Check
6. Education and Credential Check
7. Identity Cross Check
8. Reference Check
9. Drivers Abstract
10. Public Safety Verification
11. Verifiable ID card check
12. Contractor Credential Verification
13. D. Verification Check

If you have nothing to worry about then please give a future employer or the recruiting firm permission to proceed with any back checks requested. Their job is to ensure that you are who you say you are and all of your credentials match the information you gave. Not every employer will do back checks, but If there is something in your past that may cause concern make the decision to be transparent. Tell HR or the employer offering you a position the issue. Nobody likes a bad surprise. Most people can deal with information relayed to them in advance. If there is a reason you will not clear the requested back check, it is your decision to advise or not to advise the hiring authorities.

Mini story: A senior executive was about to be offered an opportunity with a terrific organization. The offer was for a top role in the new Canadian operation, within a U.S. Corporation making entry into the Canadian market space. The senior executive was referred to this organization through a referral, from an ex-boss. Since this executive worked for the past boss, two D.U.I.’s occurred. Six years have passed since the D.U.I.’s occurred and the senior executive, no longer drives for medical reasons. The executive was afraid that the D.U.I.'s would come out in the final background check, prior to being hired and called me to discuss options. I only had two options for the executive to consider. Walk away or explain the circumstances to HR or to the new potential boss. Ask for confidentiality of non-disclosure. Explain the circumstances. Explain driving is no longer an option from a subsequent accident and medical condition. The executive did as I recommended, was hired and cleared through all background checks and has been happily employed for 5 years.

Protect your reputation and background at all costs. Ensure that your digital and traditional information is well protected. Give an employer or employment expert asking for confidential information permission to proceed, if you have received an employment offer and the offer is contingent upon successful background checks. Don’t give your personal information to anyone that asks you, prior to securing employment. Most legitimate companies will never ask for personal information or permission to do background checks until a deal is agreed to and confirmed.

Thanks for reviewing this program. All comments are welcome. Kindly send to [email protected]