Understanding the need for job applicant background checks is an important step in any employer’s hiring process, as it helps to create a safe working environment for both current and future employees. Background checks can provide employers with valuable insight into an individual’s character, giving them a better sense of who they may be considering when hiring or promoting. With this knowledge, businesses are able to make more informed decisions about the candidate – ultimately leading to better hires that last. In this blog post, Zorayr Manukyan discusses what employers should look out for a while conducting job applicant background checks, covering everything from criminal records to credit histories and beyond!
Zorayr Manukyan Lists Job Applicant Background Check Basics For Employers
When hiring new employees, employers should be aware of the importance of background checks, says Zorayr Manukyan. Background checks are a way to ensure that a potential employee is qualified for the position and that they can be trusted with access to company resources. There are several different types of background checks used by employers, each providing important information about an applicant’s past work experience and credentials.
Criminal Background Checks: A criminal background check is used to verify that an applicant has no past criminal offenses or convictions in their record. This includes misdemeanors, felonies, and other serious crimes. The data retrieved from this kind of background check will provide employers with important information about an individual’s character and integrity. In some states, it is prohibited to consider certain convictions in the hiring process, so employers should familiarize themselves with their state’s laws regarding criminal background checks.
Employment Verifications: Employment verifications are used to confirm an applicant’s prior job history, such as positions held, dates of employment, and salary history. The information obtained from this type of background check will provide insight into a candidate’s work experience and performance. It is important for employers to be thorough when conducting these checks since it can help them determine if a potential employee is qualified for the position they are applying for.
Reference Checks: Reference checks involve contact with individuals who have direct knowledge of an individual’s past experience and qualifications. This includes former co-workers or supervisors that can speak to an applicant’s qualifications and character. The information obtained from reference checks is invaluable, as it provides employers with direct feedback about a candidate’s work ethic and performance.
Drug Testing: Drug testing is often used by employers to determine if applicants are using any illegal substances prior to hiring them. This type of background check involves the use of a urine or blood sample that will be tested for the presence of illicit drugs. Employers should familiarize themselves with state laws when conducting drug tests, as some states have restrictions on when and how this kind of test can be administered.
Education Verifications: According to Zorayr Manukyan, education verifications are used to verify that an applicant has the necessary educational credentials for the position they are applying for. This type of background check will provide employers with detailed information about an applicant’s educational background, such as the schools attended and any degrees earned. Education verifications are especially important for positions that require specialized skills or qualifications.
In the US, 90% of organizations conduct background checks on all job candidates, 92% perform criminal history searches, and 74% use drug testing. Furthermore, a 2018 survey found that 79% of hiring professionals reported they were more likely to hire someone after conducting a successful background check. One real-life example is Amazon; when it opened its second headquarters in Arlington County, Virginia, in 2019, it conducted extensive background checks on all potential employees before making them offers of employment.
Zorayr Manukyan’s Concluding Thoughts
Background checks are an important tool for employers to use when making hiring decisions, says Zorayr Manukyan. By utilizing these checks, employers can feel confident that they are selecting qualified and trustworthy individuals for their organization.