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Why should a company Screen Employees?

Home » Human Resources » Employment Screening » Why should a company Screen Employees?

Companies are facing an increasing amount of workplace violence, wrongful termination, negligent-hiring lawsuits, and other legal and financial issues. Their concern over these issues has led to more careful screenings of applicants.

Conducting an employment screening is a way to seek out red flags on a potential candidate. Employers want to make sure the time, money, and effort put into hiring and training a candidate is worthwhile—and that they won’t have to turn around and do it all over again when this person comes up a fraud, or worse.
Of course, an employment screening must follow certain rules, including:


  • The employer must disclose, clearly and up front, to the applicant that a screening is being done. Before checking such records as criminal convictions, driving records, credit reports, or educational credentials, the applicant must sign a release.
  • The applicant is entitled to a copy of the report and a notice of legal rights if the employer chooses to deny employment based on information in the screening report.
  • In case of errors or disagreement regarding the report, the candidate can inform the screening company. The company must remove or correct inaccurate or unverified information.

Still not convinced an employment screening is necessary? Consider these reasons those in the know give for why you should:

  • An employee’s background gives you strong clues to the applicant’s future performance.
  • It reduces your risks of making a bad hiring decision.
  • Screenings discourage applicants from trying to hide behind pumped up resumes, or from even applying if they have something to hide.
  • It helps you find a better fit for your company. And your current employees appreciate the effort you take in finding a good, qualified, safe co-worker for them.
  • To encourage honesty in the interview process. If applicants know you’re checking up on them, they’ll be much more likely to give honest, thorough, and on-target answers.



Next Page: What does an Employment Screening look into?

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