How To Use Online Resources To Conduct Employee Background Checks

It’s estimated that up to 40 percent of job applications and resumes contain false information.

If you want to find the best workers of your next construction project, you’ll want to use the employee background check resources below.

These resources are easy to use and will help you sort the good applicants from the bad applicants.

Online Searches

One of the first things that you’ll want to do is actually confirm the applicant’s identity.  An easy way to do this is by doing a White Pages search on the internet.  Websites such as Whitepages.com and Yahoo! People Search are great online resources to confirm an applicant’s identity.

There is of course Google.  But typing a person’s name into the search engine isn’t going to get you much information.  You’ll need to include location into the search to pull more results.

Use Social Media 

If you want to learn more about a potential job applicant, consider checking to see if they have any public social media profiles.  Good social media sites to check are Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Social media background checks are becoming quite popular.  You can find out:

• Attitude and Ethics
• Personal Background
• A Real Representation of the Applicant

You can compare the person’s application to their social media profiles to make sure that things match up.  You’ll also get a snapshot of the applicant’s personality and more via pictures and posts.

Check with Clerk of Courts

If you want to check to see if the applicant has any recent criminal issues, check in with your local clerk of courts website.  Most county clerk of courts websites has a search by name function.

When searching, make sure you properly crosscheck the information with the person’s name, address, date of birth, etc.  It’s important to check your state laws when examining past criminal information.

Important Credit Report Information

Before getting a credit report, you must obtain an employee’s written consent under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)  If you decide to not hire an applicant because of credit history, the law states you must supply the applicant with a copy of the credit report.  They have the right to challenge the report under the FCRA.

Also don’t live and die with credit reports.  In today’s economy, it’s likely there are going to be a few blemishes on credit reports.

Background Check Services

If you don’t have time to do a background check on your own, there are plenty of reliable online services that will charge for a complete background check.

Top 10 Reviews provides an excellent database of the top background check services.  The database provides information on ease of use, pricing, criminal information covered in report, public information records and criminal information.

Pricing on these services varies.  Some are as low as $10.  Others cost as much as $100.

Use Caution When Using Online Resources

It’s important to use caution when using online resources for background checks.  You’ll want to make sure that you are not violating any state hiring laws when using online resources.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has some important tips and guidance that will help with any background checks.   Their website covers credit reports, criminal records, medical records, bankruptcies, military service and more.  It’s a must read before you conduct any background checks.

Get More Tips For Contractors On Facebook

If you’re looking to get more tips and best practices specifically for contractors, head over to the Hue & Cry Security Systems Facebook Page.  There, you’ll join in on some great discussions with other contractors.