Whether you’re looking for a job or you’re simply interested in checking up on someone you don’t know very well, there are several steps you can take to conduct a background check. Here is a detailed review of how companies run background checks.

Verify employment history

Whether you are looking for a new job or you are an employer, you need to know how to verify employment history before bringing a new employee onboard. This is crucial, as you could end up training an employee who was not prepared for the job.

Employment history verification involves contacting past employers to confirm the employment information listed on an applicant’s resume. It includes their employment dates, job titles and salaries. These can be redacted to protect the privacy of the employer.

Employers typically want to know whether or not an applicant has been honest about their employment history. However, this is often more subjective than confirming employment dates. This can be a red flag as it can indicate untrustworthiness.

If you have concerns about the authenticity of the information you are receiving, hire a background check company to perform the investigation. A reputable screening company can complete this work in as little as seven days.

Verify driving habits

Performing a driver’s background check is no doubt important. There is no reason to hire someone with a bad driving record when a little due diligence can go a long way. After all, it’s a business after all. If you want to do it right, consider using a service like AccuScreen’s DMV record checking services. The results can be a lifesaver if you are a new hire or an existing employee with a shady record.

Aside from performing a background check, you also need to be aware of other shady activities such as drinking and driving. This shady activity can lead to bigger problems down the road. The best way to avoid the worst possible scenario is to employ the services of an expert.

A background check on your employees is a no brainer, but don’t underestimate the importance of a driver’s history check. While a thorough check may not reveal the worst offenders, it will allow you to identify potentially dangerous drivers in your midst.

Verify dismissals within seven years

Using a background check isn’t a bad idea, but it is also a great time to reevaluate your current hiring policies and procedures. In short, a little snooping around will uncover information on your company’s past and present employees that can be used to improve your bottom line. Besides, it isn’t that hard to find a plethora of employment and background screening services, all of which will be happy to oblige. This is especially true if you have the foresight to make sure your hiring decisions are a sound a$$ match. Keeping your employees and contractors on the straight and narrow will make you a happier, more productive, and less likely to face legal action down the road. After all, who knows a rogue rogue might be out there waiting to pounce on your misguided employees.

Report dismissed charges within seven years

During a background check, you may want to report dismissed charges within seven years. This is the case for many reasons, but most importantly because of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The FCRA allows background check providers to report arrests and court proceedings for seven years, but does not limit the reporting of criminal convictions. In addition, many states have added restrictions to the background check process, such as in Wisconsin, which limits the amount of information that can be reported to charges that are related to a specific job.

The FCRA also allows for reporting of non-convictions, which include verdicts of not guilty, dismissals before a trial, and completion of a diversionary program. However, if you do not report the charges within seven years, you may run into trouble.