Background Checks

Would you hesitate to hire someone who has been unemployed for a year?

01/31/2012

As the economy struggles to rebound, the stigma of long-term unemployment has lost some of its sting.

Take notes on all reference-check calls

01/27/2012

Sometimes, it’s a close call to decide who will be the best fit for a job or promotion. There may be several candidates with the relevant education, training and experience. If that’s the case, the decision may come down to who has the best “soft” skills—subjective qualities indicating a good fit. Checking applicants’ references can break that tie.

Big Pepsi settlement shows background check peril

01/25/2012

Pepsi Beverages will pay $3.1 million to resolve EEOC charges that it discriminated against minorities when it refused to hire applicants with arrest records.

Dive into 2012: Get your policies in shape for the new year

01/05/2012

As we enter 2012, it’s a good time to review employment policies and practices in light of the government’s aggressive efforts to enforce employment laws. The National Labor Relations Board, the EEOC, the DOL and its Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs are all cracking down on employers.

How to: Conduct your annual HR policy review

12/23/2011

We’re already a month into 2012. It’s time to review your employment policies and practices in light of the government’s aggressive efforts to enforce employment laws. The EEOC, the DOL and a host of other agencies are all cracking down on employers. Good, up-to-date policies are your best defense against the fed’s stepped up scrutiny.

Are reference checks a waste of time?

12/14/2011

Q. We are re-examining our applicant screening process. One idea we’re considering is eliminating calling previous employers for reference checks. We haven’t found those calls to be very helpful, because most former employers will only confirm dates of employment and job title. Is this a good idea?

New EEOC advice on using arrest, conviction records

12/13/2011

The EEOC issued an advisory letter last month that gives employers more clarity on their proper use of applicants’ arrest and conviction records during the hiring process.

Can we require credit reports for applicants?

11/18/2011

Q. Is it legal to institute a policy requiring all new hires to submit to a consumer credit report?

Are criminal records ‘consumer reports’?

10/31/2011

Q. I understand that the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires disclosure to and authorization from job applicants prior to obtaining consumer reports concerning these individuals. My company obtains criminal background records on all applicants. Are these records considered “consumer reports” under the FCRA?

What are the pitfalls of conducting background investigations on job applicants?

10/12/2011

Q. We use an outside company to conduct criminal background checks on applicants. The company asked us if we were interested in having it conduct searches on applicants’ past civil claims. Is that something we should do?