This is a common question asked of us here at GroupOne Background Screening. Background reports can range from a verification of an applicant’s Social Security number to a detailed account of the potential employee’s history and acquaintances.
Oftentimes, information included in a background check depends on the employer and the job involved. For many jobs, a state or federal law requires the employer to conduct a background check. Jobs that involve work with children, the elderly or people with disabilities are examples of jobs that will almost certainly require a criminal background check.
Some employers search social networking sites such as LinkedIn or Facebook for the profiles of applicants.
Here are some of the pieces of information that might be included in a background check, with many of these sources public records created by government agencies.
• Driving records;
• Vehicle registration;
• Credit records;
• Criminal records;
• Social Security number;
• Education records;
• Court records;
• Workers’ compensation;
• Bankruptcy;
• Character references;
• Medical records;
• Property ownership;
• Military records;
• State licensing records;
• Drug test records;
• Past employers;
• Incarceration records;
• Sex offender lists.
In addition to information gathered from documents or databases, employers may also gather information on job applications or employee questionnaires. Concerns about the highly personal nature of some questions can lead to lawsuits, with one case reaching the U.S. Supreme Court in 2010.
In this case, the Court said personal information required of government contract workers was “reasonable” given the government’s interest in screening employees.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at GroupOne at helpdesk@gp1.com or 800-683-0255 should you have any questions about the services we provide. Our team of experts will be happy to assist.