"I was a little surprised at the questions about arrest and conviction for a felony or for drunk driving," says Marjolein van Opijnen, an engineer living in Tucson, "and by a statement that all my information was subject to verification." Van Opijnen was applying for a position as a technical support engineer with Agilent Technologies in Santa Rosa, CA. She got an interview and landed the job. But she--like a lot of applicants-- was surprised that companies are now conducting such extensive background checks.
Companies are Watching Their Backs There is good reason for companies to be concerned about the backgrounds of people they welcome into their corporate homes. A recent study reported by the Associated Press estimates that high-tech theft costs American businesses $4 billion a year. And theft isn't the only problem that employers face from unsavory workers. If an employee proves dangerous to co-workers or customers, an employer can be sued for negligent hiring or retention.
In the past, employers were often able to glean the information they needed largely through an extended interview process. But the constantly increasing pace of hiring, accelerated by both Internet-based job placement and the mobility of the workforce, has made it ever more difficult for companies to fill in the blanks in an employee's background. Desperate for new talent, companies that once conducted two or three interviews now hire after a single short session.
Just the Facts, and Then Some Another factor driving the increase in background checks is the "explosion" in litigation of employment-related cases, according to Michael R. Brown, an attorney with Palmer & Dodge in Boston. Brown provides employment law advice to employers and employer associations, including the Northeast Human Resources Association. Brown goes on to say that companies considering applicants want more than verification of dates and title. Yet previous employers are hesitant to say anything that might be misinterpreted or used in a lawsuit.
"Because of the current explosion in litigation, it's hard to get more than name, rank, and serial number," Brown says.
This dearth of information has prompted some companies to go underground in their checks, looking for unofficial ways to get information. Other companies have turned to agencies to conduct background checks for them. Brown emphasizes that outsourcing the task of doing background checks does not exempt these companies from responsibility relating to the legality of the investigations. All inquiries must be appropriate to the position, and must be conducted in accordance with state and federal laws.
Job Type Drives the Background Check So what kinds of background checks should you, the job applicant, expect? Well, that depends on what kind of job you're seeking. First, just about everybody will check your employment and education history and verify any licenses you hold that are work-related. They will also check your references. Beyond that, a growing number of companies and organizations will require a criminal record check. Criminal checks usually include a search of county and federal district court records. Some companies will also check civil court records, primarily to determine if you've ever sued a previous employer.
Criminal record searches are becoming standard for anyone who works in childcare, and increasingly common in education and health care. For example, University of North Carolina Hospitals now require criminal checks for all employees.
Testing: One, Two, Three If your goal is a job in banking, expect a fingerprint test. New computer software, like that developed by Digital Biometrics for Mellon Bank, allows banks to conduct electronic fingerprinting exams and to get speedy results from the FBI. If you apply to a pharmacy, or to a law enforcement or transportation agency, expect to be tested for drug use. Rather than conducting urine tests, many companies now test hair, which can reveal the presence of certain drugs in the body for three months.
Applying for a position in finance or for a job where you will handle company cash or credit cards? Don't be surprised if the employer asks to check your personal credit history. Will you be driving a company vehicle? Expect licensure and driving record checks.
Many employers, worried about fraudulent claims, also want to know if you've ever filed for worker's compensation. Edward Niam, writing for HR Focus in December 1998, claims "that the law only permits such a check after a company makes an offer of employment."
While most background checks are conducted post-interview and pre-employment, a few companies offer jobs contingent on the outcome of the background check. In a one-day hiring marathon before opening a new hotel, Marriott recently made such job offers to 550 workers.
Driving the Fact-Check Industry The demand for quick turnaround in background checks has spurred the growth of firms like PeopleWise, Digital Biometrics, and Accufacts. PeopleWise, based in California, does automated background checks for approximately 15,000 applicants a month for companies and government agencies. "In this market, our turnaround time is a big plus," says Gary Cornick, PeopleWise president. "Another very important aspect, of course, is that all of our checks are legally compliant."
According to its Web site, PeopleWise can verify an applicant's name, address, phone number, and social security number in 10 seconds. Other checks--criminal and civil records, driving record, credit record, licensure, education, and job history--take a bit more time.
To Tell the Truth But don't let all this talk about background checks scare you off. Remember: an employer simply wants to know if you're qualified and trustworthy. When you write your resume or fill out an application, give them honest information. A recent Florida study revealed that 70 percent of all job applicants fudge, omit, or lie outright on their resumes. Don't be one of them. Report past job titles correctly and don't take credit for something you didn't do. Most employers will show their appreciation for your honesty. Finally, keep in mind that background checks represent your potential employer's best efforts to make a good match--for them and for you.
