Background Checks – All that You Need to Know on its Importance

Background Checks – All that You Need to Know on its Importance
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There are many who believe that crime doesn’t pay because you pay the price yourself when you serve your sentence. However, it is unfortunate to note that even though you serve your sentence of conviction, the criminal record that is created against you will continue to set an adverse impact on various aspects of your life, particularly your employment and job.

For an employer, a background check on a future candidate can give him only positive news. When the possible candidate passes the test, it’s great and if he doesn’t and comes up with some compromising information, the employer will be saved of future trouble. Either way, it is the employer who comes victorious. Hiring the wrong candidates will take a toll on your corporate finances and on your company’s reputation.

The requirement of background checks

The Federal National Child Protection Act gives an authority to the officials to get access to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database for different positions including working with the disabled, the children and with the seniors. This kind of service is given in order to prohibit kidnapping, abuse and endangering the lives of such weak groups.

Potential employers are all doing identity and criminal verifications to keep away from any security issues that are related to terrorism. This is true regarding the fiscal institutions which require knowing about their labour in a way they know about their customers. They often hire third parties which scan a number of databases as a part of their background checks and public records keeping.

Performing a criminal background check –What appears in it?

Any kind of employer can perform a criminal background check sometimes before and sometimes after hiring the candidate. However, this doesn’t mean that all employers conduct this check. Every employer has got the right to do so. If an employer thinks of not conducting this check, you aren’t supposed to disclose any detail regarding your criminal history. Here’s what appears on the background check:

  • Basic information like name, age, driving license number, birth date
  • Any wrongdoing or misdemeanors which are on record
  • Your address proof
  • Past and recent court warrants and arrests
  • State and federal tax liens
  • State and federal bankruptcies
  • Details of distinct body marks like birthmarks, scars or tattoos
  • Detail of any property ownership
  • List of close relatives
  • History of marriage(s) and divorce(s)

Thus, as we see the varied detail of information that the employer can get once he conducts a background check, you might be at risk if there’s anything that is against you. If there’s anything that you don’t know which appears on the record, you can even conduct a check yourself to be sure.

Can the employer deny you employment due to poor criminal history?

Any private sector employer can deny hiring you in his company or may fire you if they get to know about any criminal record. It is sad enough to note that no matter how much you regret your past deeds, the criminal record is going to stick to you. If you don’t know the reasons for which the employer can deny you, here are few you may consider.

  • If the employment laws are enforced on the company. The company might incur few recruitment charges if he hires a candidate with a negative background. So, in order to avoid such charges, the recruiter may keep from hiring you.
  • Safety amidst work place. There are few employers who believe that hiring individuals who were convicted in the past can reduce the safety of their working environment.
  • Security is the third reason. There are some employers who need a level of security clearance before hiring a person. If the person has got a criminal record, he may not pass the security needs of the employer. This is when he may not feel like hiring you.

Therefore, depending on your personal circumstances, you may choose to get an expungement for the criminal charges that you have against you. You can also consult with an expert criminal law attorney who can enlighten you on what steps to take to steer clear of any harassment.

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