Types of Background Checks Explained
Last updated July 25, 2024
Understanding different types of background checks is essential for making informed decisions when hiring or assessing individuals. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of common background check types and their implications.
Common Background Check Types
- Criminal History: This check searches for criminal records, including convictions, arrests, and pending charges.
- National Criminal Database: Searches nationwide databases for criminal records.
- County-Level Criminal Records: Provides specific records from the county where the candidate resides.
- Federal Criminal Records: Checks federal databases for criminal offenses.
- Sex Offender Registry: Identifies individuals registered as sex offenders.
- Employment Verification: Verifies past employment history, dates of employment, and job titles.
- Contacting Previous Employers: Directly verifying employment details with previous employers.
- Education Verification: Confirms educational qualifications and degrees.
- Contacting Educational Institutions: Verifying attendance, degree completion, and academic records with educational institutions.
- Driving Record: Checks for motor vehicle violations, accidents, and driving licenses.
- State Motor Vehicle Records: Searches for records maintained by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Reference Checks: Gathers feedback and insights from individuals who have worked with or known the candidate.
- Contacting Professional References: Requesting feedback and evaluations from professional references provided by the candidate.
Choosing the right combination of background checks depends on your specific needs, job role, and industry requirements. It's important to understand the purpose and implications of each check type to ensure a comprehensive and compliant hiring process.
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