Spring Screening: Why You Need Background Checks for Your Spring Hires

First quarter is one of the busiest for hiring trends. Between February and May, many firms are taking on several new employees. As an employer, this is a good time to be thinking of conducting appropriate employee screening & background checks. On-boarding employees can be a complicated task, not including the risk of hiring someone with a criminal background unknowingly. 

There are huge costs associated with hiring the wrong employee for your organization. If the employee has problems that don't show up on the resume: such as addictions, credit issues, or criminal activity, these may show up later and cause massive HR problems that otherwise may have been avoided.

A background check can usually identify potential problems and may help in the decision making process. It is estimated that more than 40% of resumes contain false or tweaked information. You need to know if the potential employer actually graduated from and worked at where they claimed to have on their resume.

Some types of data may require the new hire to approve the release of information. Depending on the position, a police records check may be necessary.

We’ve compiled a list of Do’s and Don’ts to make things clearer for you,

1.) Do Be Broad - validate previous employment history, check references, check the internet, run a criminal record check

2.) Don't Break the Law - use a reputable firm to advise you on the type of information that can be checked without breaking privacy laws

3.) Do Be Consistent - apply the requirement for pre-employment screening to all short-listed candidates

4.) Don't Seek Only the Negative - background checks can be used to locate positives that can help you choose between well-qualified candidates

5.) Don't Try to do it all Online - Everything is not online! Much of the data that can be legally obtained is best accessed by a licensed firm.

The Renwick Group has experience working with many different types of businesses and organizations providing skip-tracing, fraud investigations, WSIB support, legal team assistance, evidence gathering, employee back-ground checks, and more. We also work with individuals who need help with personal matters. Call us at 1 (888) 722-9807   or visit our website for more contact information.