Background Checks
A background check is an investigation into a person’s professional and personal history that validates or disproves their character and identity. A typical background check includes criminal records, education, employment history, civil records, references, and more depending on the situation and individual.
Pre-employment screening and background checks are used interchangeably. However, pre-employment screenings are mainly requested by Human Resources on behalf of employers who are recruiting for future team members ranging from general checks to more strategic in-depth vetting.
Why get a background check?
Who would request background checks?
There is no standard or routine background check. The investigation should be tailored to your areas of concern, reasons for finding out more, and your overall needs. Whether you're hiring a new employee, looking for a nanny, or are about to make a new investment, a background check can help you make an informed decision.
-
Hiring a new employee
-
Taking on a new tenant
-
Making an investment
-
Hiring a nanny
-
Selecting a public official (i.e. police chief or fire chief)
Limitations of a background check
-
Not all records are available online
-
The information may not be accurate or up-to-date
-
Information is gathered from third party vendors
-
Validity of records still needs to be verified
-
Does not always include checking references, past employers, degrees, etc.
Commonly detected lies...
-
Education history and degrees
-
Professional background
-
Work history
-
Licenses
-
Professional organizations
-
Memberships
-
Omitting prior experience
How is a background check completed?
There are automated background checks available via the internet, but that information is often incomplete or inaccurate. Each record, whether found through the internet or another source, needs to be verified for validity. A private investigator can provide detailed and accurate information about a person and ensure that the information is accurate.