Beyond Criminal Records: What Else Should You Include in Your Background Check?

When it comes to hiring, many employers first think of criminal records as the most crucial part of a background check. While criminal history is important, relying solely on it overlooks other essential components of a candidate’s background. A truly comprehensive background check goes beyond criminal records to assess a range of factors that provide a fuller picture of the candidate’s reliability, fit, and qualifications. Here are several critical screening areas that employers should consider in their background checks.

1. Employment Verifications

Employment verifications confirm that the experience and job titles listed on a candidate’s resume are accurate. Misrepresenting job history is one of the most common forms of resume fraud. Verifying past employment can help ensure that a candidate has the relevant experience they claim to possess, which is particularly important for roles that require specific skills or expertise. By confirming job titles, dates of employment, and in some cases, reasons for leaving, employers gain a clearer understanding of the candidate’s professional journey and consistency in career growth.

2. Reference Checks

Speaking with former supervisors or colleagues provides invaluable insight into a candidate’s work ethic, strengths, and potential areas for improvement. Reference checks offer a deeper look at the candidate’s interpersonal skills, reliability, and ability to work as part of a team—traits that are often difficult to gauge through resumes or interviews alone. These conversations can reveal critical information about how the candidate may handle stress, their communication skills, and their adaptability in a professional environment.

3. Education Verification

Ensuring that candidates have the degrees or certifications they claim can prevent hiring mistakes, particularly for roles that require specific qualifications. An education verification process confirms that the candidate has completed the necessary studies for the job, whether it’s a high school diploma, a bachelor’s degree, or a specialized certification. In fields where credentials matter, such as healthcare, finance, or engineering, education verification is a vital step in maintaining quality and compliance.

4. Drug Screenings

In certain industries, a drug-free workplace policy is crucial for safety and regulatory compliance. Pre-employment drug screenings can reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents and help maintain a productive work environment. Industries like transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing often require drug screenings as part of the background check to ensure employees are fit to perform their roles without endangering themselves or others.

5. Credit Checks (Where Applicable)

In roles where employees handle finances, a credit check can provide a picture of their financial responsibility. While it’s not relevant for every position, assessing a candidate’s financial background is often required for jobs that involve handling cash, accessing financial information, or other monetary responsibilities. A credit check may reveal potential risks associated with money management and can serve as an additional safeguard.

6. Professional License Verification

Certain professions, such as law, medicine, real estate, and accounting, require specific licenses to practice. Verifying that candidates possess current, valid licenses ensures they are legally allowed to perform their job functions and meet all professional standards. Professional license verification can also prevent potential legal or reputational risks associated with hiring unqualified individuals.

Conclusion

An effective background check process goes beyond criminal records to provide a complete view of a candidate’s qualifications and fit. By including checks on employment, education, references, drug screenings, credit, and licenses, employers make more informed hiring decisions, reduce risks, and create a stronger, more reliable workforce. Expanding background checks to cover these areas allows businesses to gain insights that support both safety and organizational success.



If you’re interested in optimizing your background screening process, VeriCorp offers comprehensive screening solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your business. Reach out to learn more about our customizable packages and how they can help ensure you hire the best candidates every time.