Do Companies Really do Background Checks?

Many job seekers wonder whether employers actually perform background checks. Although every business may not perform background checks on potential employees, more are using the option to select candidates. Consider some common misconceptions surrounding background checks, and explore some reasons why employers feel compelled to use all kinds of background checks today.

Background Checks Are Too Costly

The average full background check costs employers from $250 to $500, and many people think that employers do not want to pay the extra expense to screen potential employees. This is a misconception because up to two-thirds of employers will perform some sort of background check on a candidate, regardless of the cost.

Employers Are Unconcerned About Background Checks

Many employers perform background checks to investigate whether employees have a criminal background of any kind to avoid employee-related crimes. An employer may discriminate against candidates who have a recent crime on their records, especially if the open position deals with major company resources and processes. For companies concerned about maintaining a solid reputation, criminal checks are absolutely necessary.

Employers Take Education at Face Value

Many employers perform background checks to verify a candidate's educational background to prevent hiring employees who are not well-educated enough to hold the position. More candidates lie about their educational background on applications and resumes to get hired in a tough job market, so education verification checks continue to be a necessary expense for employers concerned about the true educational level of candidates.

Background Checks Don’t Include Social Media

Due to the growing popularity and availability of social media, more than half of employers are performing social media checks to get to know candidates on a more personal level. This is important for companies who want to hire responsible, mature individuals who are good representatives of company values. Not only do companies perform social media checks on new candidates, but current employees may be subject to social media monitoring as well.

Credit Checks Are Irrelevant to Employers

Some job seekers believe that employers don't do credit checks as part of a background check, but this is incorrect. Credit checks are becoming more commonplace for companies performing extensive background checks on job candidates. Positions that deal with finances in any way are very likely to require a credit check to screen applicants.

Jobs that are high-ranking and high-paying are more likely to have background checks as part of the screening process, but the fact is that employers conduct them for entry-level positions as well. In the digital age, employers can get a full background check on a candidate in as little as 24 hours, so checking out a job candidate is a convenience that can potentially save a company money, stress and its reputation.

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