Background Checks – A Useful Tool in Hiring
Companies that use background checks as part of their pre employment screening procedure do it because they believe it waves them both time and money.
Have you ever entered a store or business that had a sign in front stating, “We Drug Test All Applicants”? Do you think that the sign itself precludes most drug users from applying for a job there? Do you think that it makes the customers of that business feel safer and more confident taking their business there?
The same can be argued for conducting background checks. Plenty of potential employees with things to hide in their past will avoid applying at a business that is known to conduct background checks. The very fact that a company uses background checks will keep a certain number of less desirable applicants away from the hiring office, saving the employer’s time.
Money is saved when the employer doesn’t hire someone who has a history of theft related arrests and charges in his background. This isn’t to say that an employer should never hire someone who has been convicted of a crime, but it may weigh on what type of responsibilities will be given to the employee, that is not exposing them to cash or letting them work without supervision, for example.
Several arrests for disorderly conduct or family violence could indicate a bad tempered individual who would need to be kept away from customers or even other employees.
Of course drug related or alcohol related arrest raise their own red flags. Will the employee have frequent absences because he or she is unable to perform?
The costs of hundreds of background check will not come close to the cost of defending even one negligent hiring lawsuit.
Whether and employer hires those with previous records or not, they should certainly have access to information that will assist them in operating their business most efficiently.
Part of this information is contained in the background checks of those applying for employment and should be considered when making the hiring decision.
For further information on cost effective background checks call 770-426-0547 or click here.
