When hiring a new employee, you should look for red flags before making the hiring decision. For example, a candidate’s employment history may be inconsistent or have a criminal record. Other red flags are poor credit scores and failed drug tests. A pre-employment background check is an excellent way to find out.
Inconsistencies in employment history
Inconsistent employment history can be an issue for employers who hire new employees. While a gap in employment history doesn’t necessarily cause alarm, a pattern of unemployment or a string of short-lived jobs is a sign that the applicant may not be reliable. It’s also important to know whether applicants have been dishonest about their resumes. Performing a background check, with the help of experts like https://checkr.com/background-check, on an application will allow employers to discover any inconsistencies. To avoid these risks, applicants should make sure to provide accurate employment history and provide an explanation for any long gaps in employment.
Criminal convictions
While a criminal conviction may not prevent you from getting hired by most organizations, it can make the process more difficult. Although many states prohibit employers from asking about a criminal conviction, some also limit the information employers can request and how they can use it in hiring decisions. These laws also require employers to provide a compliant pre-adverse action notice. These steps can reduce the risk of hiring a bad employee.
The EEOC enforces the federal equal employment opportunity law, and other federal laws may give job seekers and workers additional protections. In addition to discrimination laws, employers must obtain written permission from applicants before using criminal convictions to screen them for employment. For instance, federal law does not allow employers to disqualify an applicant based on race or national origin if he has a criminal conviction in his past.
Poor credit scores
As a new employer, you should know that your job applicants’ credit scores can affect your hiring decision. While this isn’t always the case, a background check can help you protect your company’s reputation and protect your employees. For example, a background check can help you find out if someone has missed a loan payment or has been in financial trouble. It also lets you see if a potential employee has a criminal record. While these aren’t deal-breakers, they can undoubtedly be red flags.
As a new employer, you should know that most states do not prohibit employers from conducting a credit check. In most states, a potential employer must have the applicant’s written permission before performing a credit check on an applicant. However, this protection doesn’t cover employers who decide to complete a pre-employment background check without the applicant’s consent.
One of the reasons that employers check a person’s credit report is to prevent theft or application fraud. A bad credit score can hurt your chances of being hired for a high-risk job. For example, a government position may require a security clearance.
Failed drug tests
One of the most common reasons why employers conduct drug tests is to check if prospective employees have used drugs in the past. In some cases, employees are required to take a urine test before they can be hired. If they fail, they may face disciplinary action and lose their job. Drug tests reveal the presence of alcohol and drugs in the urine, blood, and hair. These tests are the most common form of pre-employment screening.
A failed drug test can significantly impact a job applicant’s chances of getting the job. Moreover, it can also affect a person’s chances of obtaining unemployment benefits. Many employers are unwilling to hire an employee after a positive test. A background check is crucial in protecting your company from potential liabilities and ensuring the safety of your employees and your workplace.
The most common pre-employment drug test type is urinalysis, which is easy to administer. This method tests alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, PCP, opiates, and more. It detects traces of drugs even after their effects have worn off. These tests are a legal requirement for some employers and can be done before or after an offer of employment.
