Pre employment Screening is the process of verifying and collecting information about a potential employee’s background, references, work history and character before extending an offer of employment. The goal of pre-employment screening is to help employers make more informed hiring decisions in order to reduce turnover, minimize risk and protect their business interests.
There are many different types of pre-employment screenings that employers can choose to conduct, but the most common include: criminal background checks, reference checks, credit checks, drug tests and skills testing. Background checks are by far the most commonly used type of pre-employment screening, with nearly 70% of employers conducting them for all job applicants.
- Criminal background checks are often used to screen for applicants who have been convicted of felonies or misdemeanors that could potentially pose a risk to the workplace. Employers might choose to conduct criminal background checks on applicants for positions that handle cash or work with vulnerable populations.
- Reference checks are another common type of pre-employment screening, and involve contacting an applicant’s past employers, professors, or other references in order to get more information about their work history, qualifications and character.
- Credit checks are sometimes used to screen for applicants who may be financially irresponsible or pose a risk of embezzlement. It is also possible for credit checks to disqualify qualified candidates who have been experiencing financial difficulties without their fault, such as during the recent recession. The reason behind this is that credit checks are not always deemed the best way to predict job performance.
- Drug tests are often used to screen for applicants who use illegal drugs, which can pose a safety risk in certain types of jobs or workplaces. Drug tests can also be used to screen for legal prescription drugs that may impair an employee’s ability to perform their job safely, such as opioids.
- Skills testing is sometimes used to screen for applicants who have the necessary qualifications and skills for the position they are applying for. Skills tests can take many different forms, but most commonly involve written oral or practical exams.
Pre-employment screening helps employers to make more informed hiring decisions by verifying an applicant’s qualifications, work history and character. Background checks, reference checks, credit checks, drug tests and skills testing are the most common types of pre-employment screenings. A screening process may disqualify qualified candidates who have experienced financial hardships for no reason at all.
When conducting pre-employment screening, employers should consider the applicant’s qualifications, work history and character. Screening can help to reduce turnover, minimize risk and protect the business interests of the employer.
Consider these best practices before you hire your next employee?
The following best practices should be considered prior to starting the pre-employment screening process:
1. Identify the skills and qualifications required for the position.
2. Develop a consistent screening process for all job applicants.
3. Keep confidential all information obtained during the screening process.
4. Disclose to the applicant what type of screenings will be conducted as part of the process.
5. Give the applicant a chance to explain any negative information that may come up during the screening.
6. Do not make any hiring decisions based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability or other protected characteristics.
7. Consider the applicant’s whole qualifications, not just the results of the screening.
8. Make sure that the screening process is job-related and consistent with business necessities.
9. Keep accurate records of all information collected during the screening process.
Where can I get Pre-Employment Screening done?
There are a few different options for getting pre-employment screenings done:
1. Hire a professional screening company. This is often the most expensive option, but it can also be the most convenient. Professional companies will handle all aspects of the screening process for you, from collecting applicant information to conducting background checks and drug tests.
2. Do it yourself. If you have the time and resources, you can do all of the screenings yourself. This option is usually less expensive than hiring a professional company, but it can be more time-consuming.
3. Use an online screening service. There are a number of online companies that offer pre-employment screening services. These services are typically less expensive than professional companies, but they may not offer all of the same services.
No matter which option you choose, make sure that you follow all best practices for conducting pre-employment screenings. This will help to ensure that you make the best possible hiring decisions for your business. If You want to get more information about pre-employment screenings then visit pcpworks.com.
