How to Conduct a Background Check of a Potential Employee
Most employers today require some form of background check as a prerequisite for employment. The exact scope and breadth of the background information you require will depend on the prospective employee's position in the company and the nature of your business. The majority of employers will require a broad criminal history report, whereas some others may require driving records or credit histories.
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Instructions
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Obtain authorization for a background check from the prospective employee. Even if you are only searching public records, or information available to the public online, it is best to obtain consent from the employee to ensure you comply with applicable laws, as well as requirements set forth by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. In addition to consent, you will also need the employee's full name, address, date of birth and Social Security number (SSN) to perform an accurate and thorough pre-employment background check.
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Search popular social networking sites like MySpace, Twitter or Facebook for your prospective employee's profile. Searching public information available through these sites has become a very common practice for businesses hiring new employees. Look through the person's profile to ensure all information provided on an application or resume is valid, and check whether he would be a good match for your business. You might also consider using a search engine to find other public information about your prospective employee, such as public profiles from less popular social networking sites or online profiles from previous employers or organizations to which the individual belongs.
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Search the online National Sex Offender Registry database to find out if your prospective employee has ever been convicted of a sex crime. This is a free service, so it is advisable to take this step before paying for background check services.
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Obtain a background report from a well-established employee screening service provider like Intelius to verify an SSN, and find out about previous criminal convictions and address history. Background check services can cost from $15 for basic searches to more than $100 for a thorough history with employment and education verification. In many cases, criminal history and SSN verification can be obtained instantly, but there may be a delay of several days if you would like to search records in individual counties.
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Locate your prospective employee's driving record, if the employee will need to drive as part of his job duties. This can usually be accomplished by making a request to the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state, either in person or through the mail. You can find a complete list of instructions for each state at DMV.org.
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