Thinking about adding background screening to your hiring process? Here’s what you need to know!
If you’re considering adding background screening to your hiring process, you probably have questions. Read on to learn more.
Why Should You Do Background Screening?
Every time you hire someone, you take a risk. No matter how well you run your interview process, a candidate can still hide things. Think of background screening as a way to keep your business healthy and secure. With more information, you can make better decisions.
What Types of Screening Are There?
There are several types of background screenings, but you don’t have to use all of them. Here are just a few options:
-Social Security number trace
-Employment history check
-Credit history
-Driving record
-Criminal record
-Education verification
-Drug screening
-Civil court search
Is Background Screening Regulated?
Yes! Background screening is regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Your right to make informed decisions is balanced against the rights of the applicant. Regulation exists to enforce this balance.
If you neglect to abide by the law, a potential employee could sue you — and win. You could even face legal consequences from state and federal agencies.
How Are You Allowed To Use the Information You Find?
As mentioned above, there are regulations you must follow when doing background screenings. For example, you must receive written permission from a candidate before obtaining a background report.
You may not use information you find to engage in illegal discrimination. If you refrain from hiring someone because of their race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nation of origin, age, or disability status, that’s illegal.
Federal requirements aren’t your only concern. Each state has its own laws. For instance, in California, you can’t use someone’s salary history when deciding their pay.
Conclusion
Background screenings allow you to gather important information about potential employees, but various laws regulate how you can use the information you find. Be careful to follow the law, and consult a lawyer if you’re unsure about what’s allowed.
Need a thorough background check? Contact us to learn more.