When it comes to hiring a new employee or accepting a partnership to start a business, you should consider doing a thorough background check on the person you’re about to hire or trust with that much responsibility. A lot of risks are involved when hiring new people, which could potentially lead to problems in the future. Therefore, before you trust anyone with your ideas, business, or finances, you should check if they are who they say they are.
The scope and depth of background checks can vary widely depending on the employer, industry, and the nature of the position. In general, background checks include a range of elements, including criminal history, credit history, education verification, employment history, and even social media presence.
Let’s delve into each of these components to understand the temporal dimensions of the scrutiny applicants may face.
Criminal History
Employers often conduct criminal background checks to assess an applicant’s trustworthiness and reliability. The depth of these checks can extend back several years, typically ranging from 7 to 10 years. However, the specifics may vary depending on state laws and the severity of the offenses.
Credit History
Credit checks are common for positions that involve financial responsibilities. These checks typically look at an applicant’s credit history, including outstanding debts and payment patterns. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) restricts the use of credit information for employment purposes, limiting the look-back period to seven years.
Education Verification
Employers want to ensure that candidates possess the educational qualifications they claim. Education verification checks typically confirm degrees, certifications, and attendance at educational institutions. This scrutiny typically extends back to the highest level of education completed.
Employment History
Verifying an applicant’s employment history helps employers confirm the accuracy of the information provided on a resume. The standard look-back period for employment history is typically 7 to 10 years. However, some industries or positions that require extensive experience may delve further into an applicant’s work history.
Social Media Presence
With the advent of social media, employers often include a cursory check of an applicant’s online presence. While this isn’t a traditional background check, it can influence hiring decisions. Information available online, unless explicitly private, can potentially be accessed without a specified look-back period.
How Much Does it Cost to Do a Background Check?
Another thing you need to consider is the cost of doing a background check. Depending on how far you need to go, the company you hire, and the rules and regulations in your area, the costs can differ. Other factors that might affect it would be the reason for the background check and possible travel expenses.
In conclusion, job seekers should be aware of how much their past may be scrutinized during the hiring process. Transparency, accuracy, and preparation are critical elements in navigating the landscape of employment background checks.
As the job market continues to evolve, both employers and employees must strike a balance between due diligence and fairness in the quest for the perfect match. Looking to do a background check of your own? Reach out to Global Intelligence Consultants, Inc! We have the private investigator you need.