A background check is the information regarding a candidate the employer has during the hiring process. It may include criminal records, employment history, educational qualifications, credit history, and other relevant information. This is done to ensure that the candidate is justifiably deserving of that place since the objective here is to be able to trust the candidate. Background checks give ways to protect an organization from potential risks in hiring an employee who has falsified their credentials or is engaged in some unscrupulous activity.
For this purpose, the background checks are supposed to be comprehensive to ensure a safe and productive work atmosphere. To provide such services, employers have hired third-party professionals who are interested in background screening to ensure the information is both accurate and legal regarding standards. Again, the level of scrutiny and how deep the checks go may differ from one industry to the other, from one level of a job to another, and the type of requirements a position has. In many cases, candidates are informed about the background check process and may be required to provide consent before it is conducted.
You may also be interested learning about these terms:
Background Screening
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
Candidate
Candidate Journey