Things You Didn’t Know About Background Checks
Contrary to popular belief, background checks are popular tools employers used during the hiring process. They allow them to see whether the candidate running for the job has a criminal history and help decide the hire.
At least, that’s what they’re supposed to be. Unfortunately, many employers use them to spy on their potential future employees even if they never had any problems with the law. What does it mean? That you have to be extremely careful about what you post on your social media when applying for a job.
If you had any problems with the company using a background check to discriminate against you, you should immediately contact legal professionals, like the ones from cartwrightking.co.uk. But before you do that, it’s good to have at least some general idea on what they are.
Here are things you might not know about background checks.
Not All Background Checks Are Equal
Most people think that the only reason for employment screening is to check the employee’s criminal background. In theory, that’s the main aim. However, there are three levels of a disclosure background check in the UK – basic, standard, and enhanced.
Basic level DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) is a non-specific check, available to anyone who requires certification. It shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Standard level background screening shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. Unlike standard, this level is subject to eligibility by legislative criteria.
Enhanced level check works similarly to standard ones. However, in addition to cautions, convictions, reprimands, and final warnings, it also shows any information held by local police that is required for the position.
In addition to DBS, employment background checks can also involve health checks and required right to work in the UK.
Some Jobs Require More Thorough Checks
Similarly to background checks, not all jobs are equal. Some demand checks, some don’t, whereas others require the most detailed employment verification. Usually, an employer will demand a background check if you apply for a job in:
For these fields, employment screening has become a standard feature in the application process. After all, it’s understandable that anyone who wants to work with children, patients, or finance has to be clean. In short, an employer needs to be sure they can trust you.
Keep in mind that once you submit your job application in one of the fields mentioned above, a DBS is a must-have feature if you want to stand a chance. However, you can always say no to it. An employer has no right to perform a background check without your permission.
Now that you know the basics, we hope that it’s easier for you to understand what background checks are, and why employers use them during the hiring process.
Despite that, you probably still have some questions regarding the topic. Fortunately, you’re not the only one.
Below you’ll find commonly asked questions many applicants ask when they hear they need to go through a screening process.
The main point of a background check, aside from criminal history, is to compare your CV with real data and see whether everything checks out. It might sound like a lot of trouble just to check the facts, but since more than 60% of people lie in their CVs, it’s not a surprise that companies want to be sure who they employ.
Do I Have to Worry About My Social Media?
Theoretically, you shouldn’t worry about your social media. Employers usually don’t request background checks involving your online activity; however, they might do it. As a rule of thumb, it’s always a good idea to pay attention to what you post and do on the internet.
Why? Because even though it shouldn’t impact your application, employers may decide whether you share the company’s values. And what’s the best way to do it? By checking your social media accounts, of course.
How Long Does A Background Check Take?
It depends on the level of your background check. Basic and standard DBS usually takes around five working days to obtain full information. For enhanced level check, you might be forced to wait a little longer, as it usually takes approximately ten working days.
Background checks have become a popular feature in the hiring process, and each year more companies decide to implement it when interviewing their candidates. The reason for that is simple. The internet has made checking employees’ records faster and more efficient.
As you can see, even though criminal history is the most checked feature, an employer can also run health and work permission checks. Keep in mind that whichever review you require when applying for a job, you can always decide not to agree to it.
The company you want to work for has to ask you for permission before checking your health or criminal records. Your denial might, however, cost you the position.
