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9 Common Red Flags on Background Checks

PSI Team | Uncategorized

When you’re looking for the perfect job candidate, background checks are your friend. Once you’ve spoken with a candidate, background checks are the logical next step in confirming everything they shared at the interview. A respectable background screening company will work with you to find information that’s most relevant to the job. Background checks are especially good at turning up “red flags” or questionable things that might cause an employer to pause and reconsider hiring someone. So what are a few signs that a person is a potentially problematic hire? Here are nine common red flags on background checks, why they tend to stand out, and how they should influence an employer’s decision (or not).

Employment History Discrepancies

Few of us have a consistent and unbroken employment history. Layoffs can occur. Major life events can happen that disrupt work and demand changes to our schedules. People can take a sabbatical to acquire more education or training. Companies can go under, and so forth. Of course, some discrepancies in a person’s resume may cause the employer to raise an eyebrow. Unexplained gaps or overlaps between jobs are one kind of red flag. Frequent job changes are another. It could be nothing, or it could be an effort by the jobseeker to cover up firings, absenteeism, and the like. A consistent work history usually reflects a consistent employee who’s been trusted by other companies to show up for work and get the job done. Give strong candidates a chance to explain gaps—usually, there’s a good reason.

Criminal Records

This one might seem like the biggest of red flags, but that’s not always true. Keep in mind that some formerly incarcerated individuals are genuinely looking for a chance to make a fresh start. Some state laws forbid discriminating against job candidates because of criminal records as well, so keep that in mind. That said, some crimes are automatic disqualifications, even after time has been served. Appearing on a sex offender list, of course, prevents some felons from holding positions in childcare, teaching, healthcare, and other fields. Fraudsters shouldn’t be considered for roles handling money or personal records. For others, consider the offense, how long ago it happened, and whether the candidate has stayed on the straight and narrow since. Many former criminals appreciate being given a chance and make excellent workers.

Poor Credit History

Nobody needs a job more than a person in bad financial straits, right? Fraud, bad investments, healthcare issues and medical bills, unemployment, and other problems can have a terrible impact on someone’s credit score. Most positions don’t even require credit checks since the candidate is less than likely to have access to the company’s finances. That said, a person with a poor credit history might not be the best choice for a banking, accounting, or other financial position. Some government jobs require a good credit rating to avoid taking on employees whose financial issues might make them a security risk since they could be easily bribed or financially manipulated by outside forces.

Inconsistent Education

Some roles require a certain level, amount, or kind of education. Doctors need medical degrees, lawyers need law degrees, equipment operators require training and certifications, and other folks need various credentials to do what they do. Background checks can turn up red flags in the form of inconsistencies in degree titles, schools and training facilities attended, and attendance dates. A big part of it involves ensuring candidates have the knowledge and skills to do the job, but it’s also about verifying their integrity, eligibility, and honesty. A single discrepancy might be a mistake or might have a simple explanation, but too many is a dealbreaker.

Negative References

It doesn’t matter how intelligent and accomplished a person is—if they can’t get along with others, they’re probably not the right fit for the position. If former employers and coworkers report multiple issues with a candidate or seem cagey about sharing their opinions, something might be up. Stories of poor performance, lateness and absenteeism, argumentativeness, and an inability to work with others are all major red flags. If a candidate seems ideal otherwise, give them a chance to explain.

Substance Abuse

Every job requires a clear head and good health to be performed well. Some require a higher level of both to ensure worker safety, efficiency, and productivity. Substance abuse can be costly in several ways and put clients and fellow employees in danger. Drug testing laws and regulations may differ where you are, so consider these before acting. Keep in mind that a substance-abusing candidate isn’t the best person for transportation, heavy machinery operation, or similar positions that would be especially dangerous if performed under the influence.

Legal Issues and Litigation

Background checks can reveal candidates who are extremely litigious, prone to violence or other criminal activity, and the like. If they’re currently suing a former employer or an affiliate or partner of the company they’re applying to (or the company itself), that might disqualify them as well. Be fair. Some legal disputes are justifiable, but a consistent pattern of suing employers is a red flag.

Social Media Activity

Social media may not be directly relevant to the position, so be careful about sifting through someone’s online presence. You may encounter information that can lead to charges of discrimination. Employers should never request passwords as part of the employment process and should respect privacy settings, too. That said, posts revealing poor behavior and comments that are discriminatory, unprofessional, and don’t align with the company’s ethics and goals are giant red flags.

Poor Fit

Sometimes, background checks can reveal a candidate is simply a poor fit. This goes both ways, of course, and it’s better to catch elements that indicate a candidate may not be happy working at your company sooner than later.

Those are just nine common red flags on background checks. Contact us for a consultation about background screening services today!