Background checks are typically done after the initial interviews and tests when the applicant becomes a candidate for hire.
In the Philippines, background checks are performed either by the company’s human resource team or a third-party agency.
What can employers learn from a background check?
- Personal dataBasic information like the complete name, addresses, and contact details of the candidate is verified during the background check. This is to ensure that each item of information that the applicant provided is true and valid.
- Educational backgroundAn applicant’s educational background is easy to exaggerate or falsify. Employers can verify an applicant’s transcript of records, college diplomas, or certificates earned by inquiring or cross-check the provided information with the educational institution/s listed in the application.
- Employment historyAn applicant may also falsify information regarding their previous job title, salary, and professional experience. A background check will give you accurate data about the candidate’s past employers, dates of employment, and actual positions in their previous company.
- Character and professional reputationCharacter references provide employers with first-hand accounts of how applicants work, and how their former colleagues and superiors relate with them. The applicant’s references are best utilized by understanding their relationship as former coworkers, which will put impressions of the applicant’s performance, strengths, and weaknesses into better perspective.
- Criminal recordThe applicant’s criminal history can be cleared or verified by way of a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance. This document will provide information of any criminal cases that have reached the Regional Trial Court and Municipal Trial Court.
- History of drug or substance abuseDrug tests can either clear an applicant of any illegal drug or substance abuse or alert an employer of a potentially risky hire.
- Credit historyA thorough background check can also look into an applicant’s credit history. This record can indicate how responsible an applicant is when it comes to managing finances, especially when paying off debt.
Tips for background checking
- Perform a background check on all applicants, regardless of position or experience level Be consistent when doing a background check on all of your candidates, regardless of the position they are applying for. Treat each candidate equally.
- Include an applicant’s
social media, but only as a supplementary referenceSocial media can reveal a lot about an applicant’s
personality, interests, and quirks, but it should not be used as a definitive or exhaustive indicator of
their professional character.
Always exercise fairness and equal opportunity. Avoid bias based on personal lifestyle and religious and/or political affiliations, especially when reviewing social media accounts. Be careful not to invade people’s privacy, as well.
- Communicate findings of correctible issues to your candidateIn case any minor and reasonable concern appears through the background check, find time to talk to the applicant. Clarify the issue or concern before dismissing the applicant and moving on to other options.
Get more hiring tips that will help you succeed with your business goals from FilePino. Call us today at +1.806.553.6552 (USA) or +63.917.892.2337 (Philippines).
