How does a background check verify employment?

How does a background check verify employment?

A background check plays a critical role in finding a new employee. Whether you own a small business or part of a large corporation, the use of background checks to verify employment can help you identify potential employees and avoid others that may not be a good fit. Here are a few ways that a background check can verify employment.

#1 Contact HR or Payroll Support
The vast majority of employment verifications result from contacting the HR or payroll support of a previous employer. Other employers may use third-party services or a hiring manager, but every organization is different. Typically, an employment verification takes 1-3 business days, but it is essential to remain patient, as some business may take longer than usual.

#2 Employment History
The primary benefit of using background checks is that it can help you confirm a job applicant’s previous work history. For example, a work history verification will verify an applicant’s previous employment and also ask if there were any problem areas related to this individual. It will also confirm their reasons for leaving, and a prior employer can discuss their views regarding the applicant. This is an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about an applicant and their previous work history can help you identify if they would be an asset to the company.

#3 Identify False Claims
Fake resumes are everywhere but using a background check to verify employment will give you full confidence in hiring a new employee. Most employment background checks report the last seven years and will identify any inconsistencies within a resume. This in-depth information is a valuable tool that plays a critical role in helping you choose an applicant that is the best fit for the job.

Performing routine background checks to verify employment can give you valuable insights and make it much easier to find an applicant that has the unique skill set and experience to meet the needs of your company.