It was called one of the “Top 100 Verdicts of 2007” by the National Law Journal. A truck driver for a company in Texas was responsible for an accident, leading to a fatality. The result?
A jury awarded 20.7 million to the deceased’s estate, finding that the employer was negligent in hiring the driver, without conducting a drug screening or checking his driving record.
State courts are hearing more civil lawsuits like this, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. That’s why a thorough background check is more important than ever. Are you casting a wide enough net during the pre-screening process?
Valuable Information…Missed
Over half of candidates aren’t truthful on their resumes. However, you’ll never know unless you’re conducting a detailed background check, to sort out fact from fiction. The majority of companies can’t afford not to uncover this information, and the potential liability that comes with it.
Yet, a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resources Management found that 40 percent of companies aren’t running background checks on candidates. Without it, valuable information could be falling through the cracks; painting a detailed picture of who you’re actually hiring.
Diving Deeper to Uncover the Facts
During the screening process, what should you be checking? The answer depends, based on the type of position and industry. However, you have many options available, including:
- Criminal BackgroundSocial security checks
- DMV and education verifications
- Drug screenings
- Employment background checks
- Sex Offender
- And much more
If you need help determining what information is most relevant to your hiring needs, CERS can help.
Using the Information
With a detailed background check, you uncover lots of good information. However, how you use that information is important. For example, you might combine a background check with references to round out a summary of an applicant. And, if you do run a background check, consider the whole story by discussing questionable items with the candidate.
CERS has access to all forms of background checks at the best pricing possible. Simply call or email us today for a free no cost assessment and quote at 561-910-8000.
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References
Society for Human Resource Management. Background Checking: Conducting Credit Background Checks SHRM Poll. Retrieved 12/14/12 from https://www.shrm.org/Research/SurveyFindings/Articles/Pages/BackgroundChecking.aspx
Backgrounds to the Foreground. Society for Human Resource Management. Retrieved 12/14/12 from https://www.shrm.org/Publications/hrmagazine/EditorialContent/2010/1210/Pages/1210roberts.aspx
Entrepreneur Magazine. Using Credit Checks to Help in Hiring. Retrieved 12/14/12 from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217848
Monster. Don’t Let your Past Haunt your Job Search. Retrieved 12/14/12 from https://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/getting-started/most-likely-to-fail-background-checks/article.aspx
