Comprehensive background checks provide employers with a wealth of information about individuals. These background checks can only be used for employment reasons. They are most commonly used to help employers in making hiring decisions. However, background checks can also be used on current employees regarding matters such as evaluation, or reassignment. To obtain background checks quickly and conveniently, most employers choose to use online employee screening companies.

Background Checking Possibilities

Background checks are governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, or FCRA. The FCRA is often mistaken for the credit reporting law. However, it covers much more than credit standings and credit worthiness. This law covers consumer reports as well, which can reveal information about character, modes of living, personal characteristics, and general reputation. Information found in consumer reports allows employers to make effective decisions about current or potential employees.

Privacy is a factor that is addressed by the FCRA. Privacy rights are part of the reason why background checks can only be used for employment purposes. Background checks are not a requirement in hiring. Companies can decide on their own whether or not they are necessary for making decisions about employees. In order for employers to comply with the FCRA, they must initially notify background check subjects in writing. In turn, subjects must consent to background checks in writing before they can be legally obtained by employers.

Background checks can reveal different types of information, depending on what employers are looking for. Criminal checks and identity checks are very common in the hiring process. These checks use basic information found on public records and can be accessed quickly. Comprehensive background checks reveal more extensive amounts of information in addition to what can be found in criminal and identity checks. They are often used by high risk companies who rely heavily on trustworthy employees.