Just How Effective Are Background Checks?

Background checks for job candidates have become routine. It is a common practice for companies to check on an applicant’s past to see if there is anything there that might show that the person is not the best individual for the job.
But how effective are background checks really at finding out information and enabling employers to spot people whom they should not hire?
There are different kinds of background checks that tell you different things about a person’s history. Background checks usually depend on information that is stored in large databases. These checks include things like criminal records, driving records, credit history, and even things like academic history and citizenship. Checks like these are considered to be legal if the information is job related.
Specific background checks, such as credit history and driving records, are not really very good at finding someone who is unfit for the job. They are most appropriate for jobs that are related to what these tests detail, that is, jobs that involve driving or handling money.
The most common type of check is a criminal history check. While it is definitely important to know if the applicant has a criminal record, especially one he or she has not told you about, these kinds of checks really don’t give you a complete picture of the person either. They won’t routinely help you make the best decision.
Moreover, subjecting applicants to credit history and criminal background checks might be upsetting to the job candidate and doesn’t help the company’s reputation among job seekers either. And these kinds of checks often are not used to screen applicants – they are most usually done after a job offer has already been made.
According to some recruiting specialists, one of the most effective ways of ferreting out people who may be unfit is through the use of integrity tests. These are questionnaires that ask the person directly or indirectly about their honesty, inquiring whether they have stolen anything, whether they have a problem with absenteeism, whether they have a drug problem, and other issues.
There is plenty of evidence showing the effectiveness of these types of tests. And, although people are not exactly thrilled about answering such questions, they are less intrusive than the other kinds of background checks.
When your company needs temporary, temporary-to-hire or direct-hire workers in the Anchorage area, send a message to the Opti Staffing Group. We would love to discuss how we can help your company with its contingent staffing needs.

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