You are sitting in your comfortable HR office, busy recruiting potential employees. You have checked their resumes, and the interviews went well, but what's the next step to ensure you are hiring the most suitable candidate? After all, it's better to be safe than sorry. One of the last steps of the screening process may be the most important: the background check.

 Hiring the wrong person could be a costly mistake, in terms of both time and money. An employment background check can help provide reassurance that the chosen candidate is qualified for the job and is a good fit for your organization.

Index What is background verification? What is the process of background verification? What information is collected during background verification? Importance of background verification Conclusion F.A.Qs

 

What is background verification? 

It may be one of the last steps of the tedious hiring procedure, but background verification has emerged as the most crucial step in the recruitment procedure. In the simplest of terms, a background check looks into someone’s past by checking their public records, contacting organizations, and undertaking other steps. This process can reveal many important aspects of someone’s background, including any potential criminal history, employment or job history, educational background, and even driving record.

Employers regularly use background checks to vet their prospective hires. A thorough background check can identify red flags that pose a liability risk to an employer and details that may disqualify a candidate from performing a job legally or functionally.

What is the process of background verification? 

Once an employee is interviewed, with their consent the HR can ask for a background check. Background verification is usually performed by a background check company, on behalf of the employer. After the employee’s permission, the process typically involves collecting and verifying the employee’s information from various sources such as government databases, schools, previous employers, and criminal records. The results gathered are then used by the employer to make informed hiring decisions.

Background verification is done in several steps:

• Request
  The first step involves requesting a background check with the employee's consent. 
  
  
• Data Collection
  The background check company collects information from various sources such as government databases, educational institutions, and previous employers.
  
  
• Verification
  The collected information is verified for accuracy and completeness.
  
  
• Report Generation
  The background check company compiles a report on the findings of the background verification.
  
  
• Review
  The employer reviews the report and makes a hiring decision based on the information provided. 

The process varies depending on the laws and regulations of the region, and the type and scope of the background verification. Some background checks can take a few days, while others may take several weeks to complete. Whatever the need, it has to be carried out in a manner that is compliant with the laws of the country and that exhibits responsibility and good taste.

What information is collected during background verification? 

An employee background check can be as divergent as the employer wants it to be depending on the nature of the job being offered. Jobs in the financial industry, health care industry & industries where children are involved call for more stringent employee verification.

Nonetheless, there are a few types of checks which are a staple in any background verification:  

• Identity verification
  As the name suggests this check involves authenticating documents like passports and driver's licenses, checking personal details against official records, and confirming residence through utility bills or rental agreements. It also includes reviewing social media profiles to assess behaviour and align with company values.
  
  
• Employment History Verification
  Another important type of employee background check is employment history verification. This includes reaching out to past employers to confirm job roles, dates, and performance, along with gathering insights into the candidate’s work ethic and skills. Additionally, it involves verifying job responsibilities to ensure accuracy and assess the candidate’s experience, enabling employers to make informed hiring decisions. 
  
  
• Education and Certification Verification
  This check is a crucial part of background screening as this verification involves confirming the authenticity of degrees and certificates by reaching out to issuing institutions, ensuring professional licenses are valid, and verifying any academic honours or achievements listed by the candidate.
  
  
• Criminal Record Checks
  Employers cannot take risks when it comes to building their brand name, thus a criminal record check is a must in the background verification process. These checks involve reviewing local, national, and international databases for past offences and accessing court records to uncover any legal issues. These checks help evaluate the relevance and impact of any findings on the candidate’s suitability for the role.
  
  
• Reference Checks
  To have an upper hand on the candidate’s credibility a reference check is a must. These checks involve contacting provided references to verify the candidate's skills, qualifications, and work relationships, and to gather insights into their character, work ethic, and interpersonal skills. This helps confirm the accuracy of the candidate’s claims and assess their overall suitability for the role.
  
  
• Credit and Financial Checks
  When it comes to the health & finance sector these checks play a detrimental role in hiring the best candidate. These checks involve reviewing the candidate's credit history to gauge financial responsibility and stability while assessing their ability to manage finances and potential risks of financial misconduct. 

These are just a few basic checks in the background verification landscape. This territory is extremely diverse and detailed, depending on the requirement of the employer, these checks can be more detailed and more specific.

Importance of background verification  

With all the details shared about background verification, one is inclined to ask “Why?” Why should a business owner, whether small or big, conduct background verification for their to-be-hired employees and also for those who have already been hired? 

1. Doing a rigorous background verification helps to build the belief that the candidate being recruited is well-qualified and has the required experience needed for the role. This is important because employers do not want to delay their projects or have deliverables pending because of a lack of skill.
   
   
2. It is a firm belief that past relationships are a predictor of future relationships. If a candidate had a great relationship with their previous employer and left on good terms then chances are that they will maintain the future relationships with equal respect.
   
   
3. Background verification before onboarding gives mental peace and avoids liability in terms of candidates’ qualifications and whether their certificates are correct or not.
   
   
4. A successful background verification is an indication of the candidate’s honesty and integrity which is one of the single most important qualities that adds value to the company in the long term.
   

Conclusion

In a nutshell, background verification is an unmissable step in the hiring process. The process and depth may vary depending on the requirements of the employer. Check Xperts is one such background verification company in Pakistan that has been helping companies carry out customized background screening solutions for your company. With its dedicated workforce and diverse clientele, Check Xperts has vast experience in Pakistan, meeting every background verification need to ensure that your team is nothing short of the best. 

F.A.Qs

1. What is a red flag in background verification? 
   A red flag in background verification is any concerning issue, such as discrepancies in employment history, criminal records, or falsified qualifications, that might question a candidate’s suitability for the role. It signals potential risks or misalignments that could affect job performance or workplace safety.
   
   
2. Can a former employer refuse to verify employment?  
   Yes, a former employer can refuse to verify employment, often due to company policies or legal concerns about sharing employee information. In such cases, you may need to provide alternative proof of your work history, like pay stubs or employment contracts. 
   
   
3. Is my information secure with a background verification company?
   Reputable background verification companies like Check Xperts use secure systems and comply with data protection laws to keep your information safe and confidential. They handle your data with strict privacy standards to ensure it's protected from unauthorized access.