These days a lot of companies already include background check as a pre-employment requirement. Background checks are also performed to verify the information contained in an applicant's resume, and that there no risk involved in hiring that particular individual. Most of the time, companies get the help of credit bureaus to obtain valuable information about a potential applicant. However, there are also other agencies online that have the means to get current and past details about a person, and they make these information available to different clients and individuals. There are different types of background check, depending on what the client requires. Here are some of the simplest forms of background check.

Resume Accuracy Check. Due to today's dwindling economy, there are a lot of people who put false information on their resumes just to secure a job. As such it is extremely vital for a company to verify the information in an applicant's resume, and make sure that the details they have provided are accurate and genuine.

Employment History Verification. In this facet of background investigation, an applicant's previous employers are contacted and relevant information regarding your stay with them is obtained. The type of information gathered from this process normally include the length of your stay with the company, your job description and responsibilities, your offenses and disciplinary actions if any, your contributions to the company and overall performance, and more.

Educational Background Check. All of the trainings, degree, and certification you have listed on your resume will be double checked by the investigator or investigating agency.

Credit Standing Check. This type of investigation is performed to check your level of integrity and sense of responsibility when it comes to your finances. Although a law has been passed to give equal footing to individuals who have previously filed for bankruptcy, it is still better to have a good credit standing to avoid any complications.

Criminal Record Verification. This kind of background check is very important especially for jobs that would require an employee to do house calls, or take care of children, elderly people, and the disabled. Here an employer will know whether the person they want to hire has or had a problem abiding by the law, or if that person had a previous criminal offense that can jeopardize your company.

Checking of Motor Vehicle Records. Normally, this type of check is only conducted for jobs that require the use of vehicles. Here an employer will know whether the potential employee has been a responsible driver or not.

Drug Test. A lot of big companies make drug screening a part of the pre-medical evaluation of a potential staff. Usually, the employment will be terminated or suspended if the applicant proves to have had use of illegal substances in the past.

Why do Companies Require Pre-employment Background Check?

Normally, high paying jobs require you to undergo a comprehensive background check prior to employment. This process has now become a part of the pre-employment prerequisite in both big corporations and small businesses. Several companies are now more keen to who they hire due to the following problems that are usually caused by careless employment:

Lawsuit against negligent hiring. If an employee's misbehaviour or misjudgement caused damage to property or injury to a customer, not only will the employer be held responsible financially, they can also face a negligent hiring lawsuit. To avoid such situations, employers are now more careful when it comes to choosing their employees.

Child Molestation and Abuse. Due to the increase of child abuse cases in the past years, checking the background of childcare workers has not become a standard operating procedure for day-care facilities, preschools, and the like.

Terrorist Activities and Attack. Since the 9/11 World Trade Center incident, companies are now double checking the identities of the people they employ especially those from places where terrorist activites are rampant.

Scrutiny. Because of incidents like the Enron debacle, executive positions now require a more thorough and stricter background check.

Since more and more companies are now conducting pre-employment background check on their potential employees, it is important for an applicant to be aware of the following information:

* A company that want you to undergo a background check needs to get your written consent before they are able to proceed. Without your consent, they can be subject to legal liabilities such as invasion of privacy.
* Almost all pre-employment checks start with the verification of the information on your resume. To avoid any problems with any company, make sure that all of the details you've indicated on your resume are truthful and precise. Do not include any claim that can put you at risk or prosecution.
* As there are now a lot of online background check facilities (such as consumer reporting agencies), it would be advisable to do a background check on yourself. It will cost you a small amount of money, but it will be worth it in the end because you can make sure that your future employers will see accurate information and you can immediately correct any discrepancies if any.


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