Applicant background check – what you need to know

education verification for a cashier job at the movie theater, but a criminal check and even employment verification will be essential for a police job where the applicant will have access to a firearm. Remember to be careful prying too deeply in the applicant’s recorded history especially with regard to applicant consent, so be aware of what checks require the applicant’s consent to avoid a lawsuit. Furthermore, explain to the applicant what you intend on searching about them. This may invoke the applicant to clarify any hidden areas. In addition, the laws from state to state treat the efficacy of criminal records differently when discerning applicants. It is imperative you contact a trustworthy pre-employment screening service to determine how your state treats criminal background checks. There are a few variables to keep in mind too, that you may not have considered:

• When performing an applicant background check be aware that the federal government prohibits an employer from discriminating against applicants on grounds that they have filed for bankruptcy.

• An employer can also make a decision on whether to hire an applicant who has filed for worker’s compensation only if the injury might directly effect  the job performance. In addition, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) restricts an employer from inquiring about an applicant’s ability to perform a certain duty that is unnecessary for the job.

• When performing the applicant background check remember that members of the armed forces have a right to confidentiality in their service records. However, the military is allowed to release information such as name, rank, salary, duty assignments, awards and duty status without the member’s consent.