Recent studies show that up to 95% of employers require job candidates to undergo some type of background check. Employers want background information for a number of reasons. For example, a background check is mandatory if you’ve applied for a position requiring government security clearance.
What is a cyber check?
A cyber check can refer to a website that lets people do research on others online. These online people search tools check and display detailed information, but you can’t use this information to make a hiring or tenancy decision.
A cyber check can also refer to a general online background check, including a credit report. A candidate’s financial history can provide crucial insight into their financial reliability for positions that involve handling funds.
It’s important to be aware of your rights and to know what information a potential employer might get after running a cyber background check on you.
Takeaways
· Most employers do background checks during the interview and hiring process
· An employer must ask for your written consent to screen your background
Reasons businesses run background checks
ID verification is the most basic type of background check that employers carry out. Another reason is to check employment history. Evidence suggests up to a third of resumes contain false or embellished information, so the hirer wants to make sure the details are accurate.
Background checks are done to confirm whether someone actually worked for a company as they claim or if they obtained a degree from a school as stated on their resume or job application.
When do businesses do background checks?
Many employers do background and reference checks in the recruitment process or before making a job offer. In some cases, the job offer is contingent upon the results of the cyber background check. The employer can withdraw the offer if the results aren’t to their satisfaction, which isn’t necessarily a loss for the candidate.
What does a background check reveal?
A background check shows a candidate’s employment, education, and criminal history, or lack thereof. More detailed screening also reveals credit history, driving record information, address history, and social media information.
Timeline of a background check
Normally, results become available in less than 72 hours. The timeline is extended if the employer requires additional screening.
Which employees are screened?
90% of companies that background check potential staff members screen all full-time employees. 83% screen part-time employees, and just under 60% screen contractors and temp workers.
The company has to ask for your permission
The company has to ask for and receive written consent before running a background check. You are entitled to see the results of the check. The national watchdog responsible for this area is the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and their regulations protect the labor force.
If the results disqualify a job candidate, the employer is required to notify them and explain their decision.
How do you know you passed? One obvious way is getting a job offer. Usually, employers run background checks after the recruitment process is finalized.
Consequences of breaching compliance
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets out specific requirements that companies must meet, and compliance breaches can lead to legal action. The FCRA’s steps and policies affect everything from written consent to a screening to notifying a candidate of an adverse hiring decision.
Employers are allowed to do a background check on anyone in a professional setting. Landlords are likewise obliged to screen prospective tenants to protect themselves legally. In the scope of employment, someone who hires an employee with a criminal record can be sued for negligent hiring if that employee harms another employee or a client. Companies do not want this liability and are aware that not running a background check tends to pose a greater risk from a legal standpoint.
Conclusion
Legislation related to background checks, like the FCRA, can seem complicated and difficult to understand at first. Still, most companies do them, and legal issues rarely arise. Failing to comply with the applicable laws can be costly, so employers need to take the time to learn the rules and guidelines. It’s of paramount importance for any business to establish reliable policies. Likewise, employees are protected from non-compliant screening practices.
