Background Investigation
Definition
A background investigation is a comprehensive review process conducted by employers to verify a job applicant’s history and qualifications. It aims to ensure that the individual has the necessary experience, skills, and integrity for the role they are applying for. This may include checking criminal records, employment history, education credentials, and sometimes credit history.
Examples
- Employment History Verification: Confirming past job titles, responsibilities, and dates of employment.
- Educational Verification: Ensuring that the applicant’s degrees, certifications, and academic achievements are valid and earned from accredited institutions.
- Criminal Background Check: Investigating if the candidate has any criminal records, which may affect their suitability for the position.
- Reference Checks: Contacting previous employers or other references provided by the candidate to gather insights into their work ethic and character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do employers conduct background investigations?
Employers conduct background investigations to protect their organization from potential risks, verify an applicant’s resume, and ensure they hire reliable and qualified candidates.
How long does a background investigation typically take?
The duration of a background investigation can vary widely but typically takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the depth of the investigation and the response time of third-party sources.
What information is typically included in a background investigation?
A background investigation may include employment and education verification, criminal records check, credit history, driving records, and reference checks.
Can a candidate dispute the results of a background investigation?
Yes, candidates can dispute the results if they believe there are inaccuracies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provides a process for disputing and correcting inaccuracies in background check reports.
Do applicants need to consent to a background investigation?
Yes, in many jurisdictions, employers must obtain written consent from the candidate before conducting a background investigation.
Related Terms
- Pre-Employment Screening: The process of investigating the backgrounds of potential employees before hiring.
- Criminal Records Check: A search of public records to identify any criminal history associated with a job applicant.
- Reference Check: Contacting previous employers or other references provided by the applicant to obtain information about their job performance and character.
- Credit History Check: Reviewing an individual’s credit report to assess their financial responsibility and behavior.
Online References
- The Balance Careers
- SHRM - Society for Human Resource Management
- Monster
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) - FTC
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Background Checks and Pre-Employment Screening: A Guide for Employers” by Devlin Fisher
- “Reference Checking: Ethics, Legalities, & Best Practices” by Ronald J. Burke
- “Hiring Smart: How to Predict Winners and Losers in the Incredibly Expensive People-Reading Game” by Pierre Mornell
- “The HR Answer Book: An Indispensable Guide for Managers and Human Resources Professionals” by Shawn Smith and Rebecca Mazin
Fundamentals of Background Investigation: HR Practices Basics Quiz
### What is the primary purpose of conducting a background investigation?
- [x] To verify a job applicant’s history and qualifications for a position
- [ ] To conduct psychological assessments of applicants
- [ ] To measure the candidate's current job performance
- [ ] To evaluate the financial stability of the applicant
> **Explanation:** The primary purpose of a background investigation is to verify a job applicant’s history and qualifications to ensure they are a good fit for the position.
### What type of information is typically verified in a background investigation?
- [ ] Only the applicant's social media activity
- [ ] The candidate’s current savings account balance
- [x] Employment history, educational background, and criminal records
- [ ] The applicant’s family medical history
> **Explanation:** Background investigations typically include verification of employment history, educational background, criminal records, and other relevant background checks.
### Is it necessary for employers to obtain consent from an applicant before conducting a background investigation?
- [x] Yes, consent is required
- [ ] No, consent is not required
- [ ] Only verbal consent is needed
- [ ] It depends on the industry
> **Explanation:** Employers generally need to obtain written consent from the applicant before conducting a background investigation to comply with legal regulations such as the FCRA.
### What act governs the process of background investigations in the United States?
- [ ] The Workplace Safety Act
- [x] The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- [ ] The Employee Privacy Act
- [ ] The Employment Rights Act
> **Explanation:** The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the United States governs the process of background investigations, ensuring the accuracy and privacy of the information collected.
### How can an applicant dispute the information provided in a background check?
- [ ] By ignoring the report
- [ ] By hiring a lawyer immediately
- [x] By contacting the background check agency to correct inaccuracies
- [ ] By resigning from the application process
> **Explanation:** An applicant can dispute the information provided in a background check by contacting the background check agency to identify and correct any inaccuracies.
### Which of the following is a benefit of conducting background investigations for employers?
- [ ] Decreasing hiring time
- [x] Reducing the risk of negligent hiring
- [ ] Increasing the workload of HR departments
- [ ] Enhancing office layout efficiency
> **Explanation:** Conducting background investigations helps employers reduce the risk of negligent hiring by ensuring that they hire candidates with verified credentials and history.
### Can a background check include a credit history review?
- [x] Yes, if relevant to the position
- [ ] No, credit history is never reviewed
- [ ] Only for positions in finance
- [ ] Only for applicants with over ten years of work experience
> **Explanation:** Employers may include a credit history review in a background check if it is relevant to the job responsibilities, especially in roles involving financial duties.
### What type of check would be performed to confirm an applicant’s degree?
- [ ] A psychological evaluation
- [ ] A drug test
- [x] An educational background verification
- [ ] A health check-up
> **Explanation:** Educational background verification checks are conducted to confirm that an applicant's degree credentials are valid and earned from accredited institutions.
### When performing a criminal background check, what types of records are usually searched?
- [x] Criminal convictions and arrests
- [ ] Medical records
- [ ] Social media profiles
- [ ] Personal interviews
> **Explanation:** A criminal background check typically involves searching public records for criminal convictions and arrests to determine if the applicant has a criminal history.
### What is the key element of reference checks?
- [ ] To perform a technical skills test
- [ ] To conduct a market survey
- [x] To gather insights into the candidate's work ethic and character from previous employers
- [ ] To verify the applicant's financial assets
> **Explanation:** Reference checks involve contacting previous employers or provided references to gather insights into the candidate’s work ethic, performance, and character.
Thank you for exploring the fundamentals of background investigations. Remember, thorough and legal background checks help ensure you hire the right candidates while complying with regulatory standards. Keep enhancing your HR knowledge for successful recruitment!
