6 Common Reasons for Failing a Background Check

Background checks are an inevitable and essential part of the hiring process. A carefully conducted background check can reveal more about a candidate, verifying that they are who they say they are and confirming they’ll bring the skills, education, and professionalism the position requires. Most of the time, background checks are just a formality, confirming what the company already knows. On the other hand, checks wouldn’t exist if all jobseekers were entirely truthful. Here are six common reasons for failing a background check. Knowing these, as well as how to react to them, will save time during the hiring process and ensure a company finds only the most qualified candidates.

Criminal Records

Here’s one of the big ones, but keep in mind that a criminal record isn’t necessarily a red flag about a person’s personality or ability to perform a job. At the same time, some crimes and convictions may rate as instant disqualifications for certain roles. Employers should consider several factors. If the offense took place many years ago and no other offenses can be found, the candidate has likely paid their debt to society and cleaned up their act, so to speak. Likewise, if the crime has nothing to do with the position—an arrest for trespassing in their teens probably won’t affect their ability to work in a laboratory in their 30s, for example—it can probably be overlooked. Still, some crimes preclude a candidate from holding a position due to safety considerations, legal issues, and the like. Repeated and recent violent criminal behavior is a huge warning sign, while someone convicted of fraud shouldn’t be trusted with clients’ financial and personal records.

False and Misleading Information

Everyone makes mistakes. However, a series of “mistakes,” particularly in providing information on one’s educational background, job history, and the like, points to a pattern of intentional falsehoods designed to make a candidate look better and more qualified for a role. While gaps in a resume or similar inconsistencies might have perfectly reasonable explanations, outright errors and misleading information may reveal trickery on the job candidate’s part. If a background check shows a lack of trustworthiness, it’s a good sign that the candidate lacks not just skills but also integrity and reliability. Unqualified candidates can also leave a company wide open to lawsuits, legal issues with regulatory agencies, and more.

A Poor Employment History

A person could have all the necessary skills, education, and abilities a position requires and still be a bad fit. Background checks that turn up a history of workplace issues are glaring red flags. Previous employers might provide evidence of ongoing insubordination, frequent arguments, chronic lateness and absenteeism, and similar negative feedback. Likewise, frequent job changes, unexplained employment gaps, unclear reasons for leaving a previous job, and other inconsistencies should encourage an employer to delve deeper. Strange activity in a person’s past might signal future problems.

Poor Credit

More than likely, a person who has faced or is facing financial issues because of layoffs or similar economic woes will appreciate being hired and will work harder so that they can get back on track. On the other hand, a credit check that reveals bankruptcy, excessive debt, and other frequent financial issues might be a sign of someone who doesn’t know how to handle their finances, which means they can’t be trusted to handle others’. Financial acuity and responsibility might not necessarily be a big requirement for a truck driver or warehouse worker, but it certainly comes into play with stockbrokers, bank employees, and others who might handle large amounts of money. Financial stress, combined with a criminal record, might also signal a less-than-ideal candidate.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse and addiction are diseases. As such, individuals require consideration and treatment to get better. Even so, sobriety is a vital component of many positions, ensuring safety, consistency, and greater productivity. Naturally, roles involving driving and other forms of transportation, the operation of heavy and light machinery, and duties that require a clear head demand workers who are sober. Drug screening may also be a legal requirement for positions at companies that have federal contracts or similar agreements.

Social Media

Reviewing social media has become part of many background checks, though the process should be approached cautiously. Employers shouldn’t request social media passwords from jobseekers and should never try to bypass privacy settings. That said, skimming social media can reveal much about a candidate’s character. Unprofessional behavior, badmouthing previous and current employers, discriminatory and offensive posts, and negative interactions with others online can show how an individual might act in the workplace.

Ways To Conduct Effective Background Checks

When you hire an employment background check company, you can discuss what you’re looking for in an employee, and they’ll suggest which types of checks will be most effective. To ensure the screening process is thorough and fair, begin by forming a committee to draft a background screening process and have your legal representative review it. Keep the following things in mind as you develop it.

Always Obtain Consent

Before you conduct a background screening on a candidate, you need their permission. Submit a written consent form and ask them to sign it before proceeding. It’s the law, and it’s also a way to demonstrate transparency and show respect for the jobseeker’s privacy.

Be Consistent

Treat all job candidates equally. Discrimination is a serious issue, and keeping the screening process consistent ensures fairness and equality while protecting you from claims of discrimination.

Be Open-Minded

Don’t jump to conclusions about certain red flags in a resume or background check. They may not be red flags at all, according to context. Communication is important and can address discrepancies and misunderstandings. The perfect candidate may not look perfect at first glance.

Keep Compliant

Be aware of federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding employment and background checks. They’re there for the candidate’s protection as well as yours.

Those are just six common reasons for failing a background check. Keep them in mind for a hiring process that’s both thorough and fair.