It can be difficult to find the perfect employee. There are many factors to consider, such as experience, qualifications, and character. But one of the most important things to consider is whether the potential employee is a good fit for your company. That’s why background checks are so important-they help you to assess whether the applicant is a good match for your business. Here are six efficient ways to conduct a background check before hiring a new employee.
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1) Google them.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to conduct a background check is to simply Google the applicant’s name. This will help you to find any red flags that may be associated with the individual.
For example, if you Google an applicant and find that they have been arrested for a DUI, you may want to think twice about hiring them. In addition, you can also use Google to find out more about the applicant’s work history and education.
Keep in mind, however, that not everything you find on the internet will be accurate. So, take everything you read with a grain of salt. Pay special attention to any information that is corroborated by multiple sources.
2) Test the employee for drugs.
Another way to ensure that you are hiring a responsible individual is to test them for drugs. This is especially important if you are hiring for a position that requires the employee to operate machinery or drive a vehicle.
There are many drug testing companies that can easily and affordably administer drug tests. All you need is a sample of the applicant, a 12 panel drug test, and a few minutes of your time. Also, be sure to have the applicant sign a release form so that you are not in violation of their privacy rights.
When conducting any background check, it is important to be aware of the applicant’s privacy rights. This means that you cannot simply search through their personal belongings or contact their friends and family without their permission.
One way to get around this is to have the applicant sign a release form. This will give you permission to access all of the information that you need in order to make an informed decision about whether or not to hire them.
Be sure to read the release form carefully before asking the applicant to sign it. You want to make sure that you are not asking for more information than you need. In addition, be sure to keep a copy of the release form for your records.
3) Check their references.
When you are considering hiring someone, be sure to check their references. This is one of the best ways to get an idea of what the applicant is really like.
Ask the references questions about the applicant’s work ethic, attendance, and ability to get along with others. If you can, try to speak with both personal and professional references. And, as always, take everything you hear with a grain of salt.
Additionally, you can also check the applicant’s references online. There are many websites, such as LinkedIn, that allow you to see if the references the applicant has provided are real people.
4) Check their social media accounts.
In today’s day and age, it is also important to check an applicant’s social media accounts. This will give you an idea of what the person is really like, as well as whether they are likely to engage in any inappropriate behavior.
For example, if you see that an applicant has posted pictures of themselves drinking alcohol or using drugs, you may want to think twice about hiring them. Additionally, pay attention to the applicant’s posts and see if they seem to exhibit any red flags, such as racism, sexism, or homophobia.
Pay special attention to anything that the applicant has posted recently, as this will give you the most accurate idea of who they are.
5) Conduct a credit check.
If you are considering hiring someone for a position that involves handling money, it is important to conduct a credit check. This will help you to assess whether the applicant is financially responsible and capable of managing your finances in a responsible manner.
There are many companies that offer credit checks, and they are relatively easy to do. Simply request a copy of the applicant’s credit report and look for any red flags, such as late payments or a high debt-to-income ratio.
In addition to conducting a credit check, you may also want to consider running a background check on the applicant’s financial history. This will help you to see if the applicant has ever been convicted of any financial crimes, such as embezzlement or fraud.
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6) Hire a professional background check company.
If you want to be extra thorough, you can hire a professional background check company. These companies specialize in conducting comprehensive background checks, and they will be able to provide you with a detailed report of the applicant’s history.
Be sure to look for a reputable company that has experience in conducting background checks. You should also inquire about the types of information that the company will be able to provide you with. And, of course, make sure that you are comfortable with the price before hiring a background check company.
Keep in mind that a professional background check will take some time to complete, so be sure to factor that into your timeline.
No one is perfect, and that includes potential employees. That’s why it’s important to conduct a background check before hiring someone. By doing so, you can get a better idea of who the applicant is and whether they are a good fit for your company. Background checks are an essential part of the hiring process, and there are many different ways to conduct them. Be sure to choose the method(s) that will work best for you and your business. The bottom line is that a thorough background check can help you to avoid hiring someone who is not right for the job.