Written by: Emily Joswiak • May 23, 2024• Business

Are Background Checks Necessary for Every Hiring Process?

Background checks are a huge part of the hiring process. Are they necessary for every job out there? Here are a few thoughts on the subject.

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It feels like every employer out there requires a background check before hiring. That’s largely the case! Employers everywhere consult third-party companies that investigate a job candidate’s past, exploring and confirming their educational and employment history, possible criminal records, and more. Are background checks necessary for every hiring process? In general, yes. And it’s not just to keep the background check firms busy. Here are a few reasons why background checks are good for everyone involved.

Safety First

One of the primary reasons why businesses conduct background checks is for safety. Criminal background checks, driving records, and similar reports could reveal that a candidate may pose safety risks to themselves, customers, and fellow employees. A history of negligence or workplace misbehavior is a red flag. Individuals on sex offender registries are precluded from working in certain fields, such as child care. The healthcare industry requires background checks that reveal qualified and compassionate workers. Background checks ensure protection for employees, customers, property, and the company’s reputation.

No Lies

Nobody wants to work with a liar. Background checks are the definition of the old saying, “trust, but verify.” Confirming a candidate’s employment history, educational background, certifications and credentials, and other requirements for a job proves they have the necessary skills and experience as well as personal integrity. Truth is a rare thing these days—make sure your employees have it in abundance.

Rules and Regulations

Labor laws and similar regulations demand things from employers and employees. Age confirmation may be necessary for jobs that can’t minors cannot perform. Transportation jobs require valid driver’s licenses and clean driving records, as well as knowledge of the rules of the road. Drug use might be a disqualification for a company that has federal contracts, and so forth. Background checks help employers maintain compliance and not at risk of fines or sanctions if they hire unqualified individuals.

Workplace Harmony

All employers take a chance with any candidate, particularly when creating a harmonious work environment. Background checks screen out job candidates who might not fit in with the workplace culture. Unqualified, difficult, combative, or untruthful individuals can cause discord, which can lead to general dissatisfaction and potentially lost revenue and staff who leave to find a better work environment. Background checks increase the likelihood of finding employees who fit in, contribute, and inspire their fellow workers.

Are background checks necessary for every hiring process? Once again, the answer is a resounding yes! They benefit everyone on either side of the interview desk.

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Last modified: May 23, 2024