Criminal Background Checks for Job Applicants

We have a lot of clients come to us asking about criminal background checks. But, what’s the difference between a regular background check and a criminal background check?

Well, much of the time there isn’t a lot of difference between the two. Most of the information that is revealed when conducting a background check will be the same as when conducting a criminal background check. However, criminal background checks provide a more thorough report because they utilize criminal records databases.

Across all industries and businesses, criminal background checks are on the rise. Businesses are increasingly conducting criminal background checks as part of their hiring process. If you read our blog just a couple of posts back, you may remember us linking to the article 17 successful executives who have lied on their résumés. Although most the top executive discussed in that article did not commit criminal acts, a criminal background check could have uncovered the lies in their résumés, and perhaps more.

We have come across these situations countless times in our pre-employment screening cases. It always amazes us that a company would not spend a little bit of money to avoid an embarrassing and potentially costly hiring mistake.

As we like say here at EmploySecure.com:

“Don’t let their past become your company’s future.”

Before you run off and go look up ‘free background checks’ on Google, there are some things that you should know about conducting criminal background checks. Most online sources for background checks are simply inaccurate, and they do not always follow the strict guidelines. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) lays out guidelines for What Job Applicants and Employees Should Know. As an employer, you should read through these guidelines to make sure you know what you can and cannot ask an employee. It is also beneficial to consult a pre-employment screening professional, just to ask questions and see what the laws are in your State.

In addition to companies conducting criminal background checks for per-employment screening, there are a number of other applications for criminal background checks. Certain high-risk situations in which you should consider a background check include:

• When hiring a new nanny, or daycare provider.
• When using online dating to meet people for the first time.

For answers to your question about criminal background checks in Boston, MA, please give us a call at EmploySecure.com anytime.
1-800-850-0019