The background check for employment is an important part of the recruitment process. Unfortunately, not every candidate is 100 per cent truthful on their CV and application. It’s vital for employers to do their due diligence and investigate individuals for any red flags before offering them an employment contract.

1. Notify the Candidate that You’ll Be Conducting a Background Check

Let the candidates know that you’ll be contacting their previous employers, verifying their educational background and entitlement to work in Australia, and checking police records. This will give them an opportunity to inform you about a criminal record or other potential concerns in advance. This will also reduce the chance of them embellishing their educational and career history.

2. Decide on the Type of Screening You Need

There are many different types of screening available, including previous employer references, educational history verification, electronic ID verification, police checks, credit reports, and social media screening.

Most jobs will not need comprehensive screening beyond checking references and citizenship or visa status (all Australian employers must confirm that candidates are eligible to work in Australia before making a job offer). However, some industries or positions may require specific background checks, such as address history, financial checks, or health screening.

3. Choose a Background Check Service.

It can be time-consuming and difficult for businesses to carry out background checks directly, so most opt to outsource the task to a specialist service or employment agency. Make sure you choose a service that offers the types of checks you need.

4. Inform the Candidate of Background Check Findings

If something comes up during an employment screening, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should automatically dismiss the candidate. In fact, not hiring an individual due to a criminal record or health issue may be classed as legal discrimination.

Contact potential candidates with the results of any concerning information that came up in their background check and give them the opportunity to explain or provide further information..