Pre-employee screening is an essential element of connecting with quality staff. While specific background check laws, requirements and limitations vary from industry to industry and state to state, there are a number of pre-employee screening areas that most companies should cover.

Some of the main purposes of pre-employee screening include:

• Verify resume information
• Bring candidate character flaws to light
• Identify criminal tendencies
• Avoid danger to existing staff
• Avoid negligent hiring litigation
• Ensure financial trustworthiness
• Protect intellectual property
• Protect the brand’s reputation

Here are seven of the most crucial pre-employee screening steps employers should take:

1. Verification of Employment

With over half of all job applicants admitting to lying on a resume at some point, the information provided should be checked. The resume area most lied about is the employment section, so this crucial area should receive follow up from the HR department.

2. Verification of Education and Training

Less crucial than an employee verification background check, but still important, is looking into an applicant’s educational history. Verifying training and certifications that are essential to the job for which they are interviewing is especially vital. If records or transcripts are requested, the applicant must consent as covered by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

3. Criminal History Screening

This element of pre-employee screening allows businesses to know that a candidate is law-abiding and will not pose a threat to the safety and integrity of the workplace. In each state, laws regarding processes for this type of screening can vary. Outsourcing employment background checks to a professional background check company will help ensure it is done appropriately and in compliance with current regulations.

4. Drug Testing

Testing for substance abuse can help employers to assess if a candidate will be reliable and productive on the job. Screening out persons with drug problems can also minimize workplace injuries, negligence and other side effects of the behavior.

5. Credit History

If a job will require contact with the company’s finances, a look into their financial history is a wise move. Again, the laws regarding this type of screening can vary from state to state, so outsourcing this aspect of pre-employee screening to a professional can take away the guesswork. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) also applies during such investigations.

6. Sex Offender Registry

Employers can minimize risk to staff and clients with this type of background check. The national sex offender search is especially important if the applicant will be working with children. A professional employment background check company offers this type of screening to ensure only high-quality, trustworthy people are hired.

7. Personality and Skills Assessments

Both skill and temperament play strongly into success in a given job role. Employers should use reliable personality testing create relevant skills assessments to increase the odds that the hiring manager will make a wise, informed decision.

The success of a company is largely based upon the quality of its personnel. Proper screening is essential in getting to know applicants and ensuring they will be a fit. A professional employment background check company can take the guesswork out of pre-employee screening and help ensure smart hiring decisions are made.

Disclaimer: The information on InstantCriminalChecks.com is governed by our Terms of Use and is never intended as legal advice.

Source: http://time.com/money/3995981/how-many-people-lie-resumes/