Past Behavior Revealed in an Employee Background Check

Past Behavior Revealed in an Employee Background Check

How much do employers expect to find out from an employee background check?

Realistically, that depends on the depth and scope of the investigation, but the answer is that there is plenty that can be determined from even the most basic of background checks.

The first example is the information that can be obtained from a criminal background check.  Determine which jurisdictions are most likely to yield information and center your search there, whether it’s a county court search or a statewide repository.

The results will provide the employer with facts that will be useful in making the hiring decision.  No record found?  Great, the applicant has had no serious issues with the court.  Remember that juvenile records are generally not released to the public.

Misdemeanor conviction?  As a rule, these less serious violations probably won’t prevent an employer from hiring an applicant unless the charges are for theft or battery.  A felony conviction might preclude hiring someone as a matter of policy.

Also revealed might be tendencies toward violence (fighting, battery, assault); drug or alcohol abuse (possession, distributing, DUI, possession of alcohol under age, public intoxication); or other detrimental behavior (fleeing or obstructing police, disorderly conduct, trespass).

Although past behavior may be an indicator of future acts, it’s important to remember that the employee background check should be considered only as a part of a larger process in determining the suitability of a candidate.  Always look at the circumstances and relativity of any facet of the results when making the hiring decision.

Questions about employee background checks?  Call 770-426-0547 or click here for more information.