The majority of employers understand the need for background checks, but still may not fully realize the best way to utilize these reports to make smart, but still compliant, hiring decisions.
Here are a few quick points of what background screening for new employees is, and what it is not.
It is: a way to minimize the risk of making a bad hiring decision. Information in an applicant's background can give evidence to the person's work ethic and honesty.
It's not: a way to discriminate against individuals. While the background check may uncover negative information, it shouldn't be used to discriminate against protected classes. Make certain you background screening policy is fair and consistent, and fits with the job responsibilities. For example, a janitor in a warehouse shouldn't be judged by a credit report, as it has no bearing on the position.
