Emily Clarke

Why Do Some Companies Require a Background Check for New Employees?

The hiring process isn't as cut-and-dry as many job-seekers think. From the applicant's side, it seems as easy as reading an application, reviewing a resume, and doing a few interviews. But hiring managers spend a significant amount of time and resources finding the perfect match.

Hiring a new employee is a significant investment and many companies go to great lengths to ensure they make the right decision. One step seemingly dramatic step is running a background check. So, why do some companies do this?

Verifying Credentials

When job-seekers apply for a new position, they do everything they can to put their best foot forward. Unfortunately, that can involve fudging the truth. Those lies can have a major impact, whether a small lie during the interview or flat-out falsified qualifications.

A simple background check is the best way to verify that a candidate is qualified for the job. A report can provide valuable insight into an applicant's work and educational history, ensuring they are honest in the application.

Staying Compliant

Many jurisdictions have strict laws about who companies can hire. For example, organizations can face steep penalties for hiring illegal or underage workers. Once again, applicants can lie in an attempt to get a job offer.

The hiring manager must do their due diligence and ensure that they comply with all hiring laws. For this reason, doing a background review is another task on the employee onboarding checklist.

Keeping Sensitive Information Safe

Did you know that around 34 percent of businesses worldwide fall prey to internal cybersecurity threats? So many companies focus on what external cybercriminals can do that many fail to assess the risk coming from employees.

In this case, conducting background checks can be vital in keeping corporate and customer information private. It helps you avoid hiring someone who might have something to gain from accessing that sensitive information. While running background checks as part of your employee onboarding checklist is a big investment, the upfront costs you pay now are nothing compared to what you'll have to pay if you experience a security breach.

Author Resource:-

Emily Clarke writes about employee management, benefits and payroll service. You can find her thoughts at employee management blog.