Background Checks Reveal Employment Gaps
Employment screening, by design, is done to eliminate unsuitable job candidates and to verify the information supplied by applicants on their resumes and applications.
One situation that comes up occasionally is the employment gap, or the length of time between jobs or school and a job. Having time between jobs may mean nothing or it may hide something, such as an unexpected termination from a job, or even being in jail. The facts should be determined during the employment screening process, not after the individual is hired.
Applicants will often explain gaps by saying they were self-employed, or were in school, took time to travel, stayed with a sick relative, or wanted to make a career change. The time to get to the bottom of these gaps is during the employment screening process, notIf the individual claims to have been self-employed or working as a contractor, ask to see pay sheets, pay stubs, or tax documents that will show income from employment. You may also get the names of references that can vouch for the person’s employment claims. Careful here, however, to be certain that the reference is legitimate and not just a friend of the applicant. Independently verify any phone numbers provided by the applicant for employment references.
If the person claims they were in school or a training program, ask details about the type of school and the location, and check with the school to verify dates of enrollment.
Always verify employment on both sides of the gap when conducting employment screening. Previous employers will be able to verify if the reason your applicant left is correct.
Although the reason for a gap given by the applicant may seem legitimate, it never hurts to verify and know the facts.
For advice on your employment screening program, call 770-426-0547, or click here for answers.
