4 Tips for Conducting a Background Check for a New Employee

Having the right employees is vital for a successful business. Do you know the backgrounds of the employees you are looking to hire? Proper screening before hiring can prevent numerous potential financial and reputation damages to your business. Here are four tips for conducting a background check for a new employee.

Conduct a Behavioral Interview

There are two types of interviews you can conduct when looking to hire a new employee. With a situational interview, candidates are asked what they would do in a particular situation. These questions allow the potential employees to give an answer the employer wants to hear in hypothetical situations.

With a behavioral interview, questions are asked that require a more detailed explanation to give employers additional insight. Candidates are asked how they would handle various situations the new employee has encountered in the past. The employer can background check these answers with references.

Review Social Media Accounts

Employees are a representation of your company. Certain social media behaviors can reflect poorly on your business. You may want to review social media accounts prior to hiring as part of your background check. Look for social media accounts that the candidate may not have listed with their employment application. Any damaging pictures, controversial opinions and posts bashing previous employers can be red flags.

Check for a Criminal Record

A new employee with a criminal record is a huge risk for companies. A new employee with a theft charge would not be ideal for handling financial transactions. Certain industries such as healthcare, teaching or social work, deal with vulnerable individuals that need to be protected. As part of a background check, a criminal record check should be included and presented at the interview.

Verify Educational Background

If you are hiring a new employee for a position that requires a special degree, you can ask for a transcript from the university to verify the educational background. You may want to request references from professors. There may also be assessments, digital profiles or portfolios that you can request to see.

Need a Background Check for a New Employee?

A background check before hiring a new employee is an effective way to check for integrity and prevent fraud. The experts at Empire Pacific Investigative Service (EPIS) are specially trained with in-depth background checks and high-quality substance abuse testing. These comprehensive services can be completed within 48 hours. For more information on background checks for new employees, contact EPIS today.