Back to Blog

What Shows Up on an International Background Check?

PSI Team | Uncategorized

With the rise of globalization in recent years, companies are increasingly expanding their operations beyond their home country. As this happens, the necessity for international background checks becomes more acute.

International background checks help an employer make informed decisions by reviewing a candidate’s past, regardless of where they come from. But what exactly does an international background check involve? This post will reveal the ten critical aspects typically covered in an international background check.

Criminal Records

In the context of an international background check, examining criminal records is an exhaustive process that delivers an all-encompassing view of an individual’s past. The goal of reviewing criminal records is to ensure the safety and integrity of organization and the people within them. Therefore, the probe includes looking into all types of offenses, ranging from minor violations and misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Even charges that did not lead to convictions count, as these can sometimes reveal patterns of behavior or decision-making that may be of concern. Every detail matters, whether the records reveal traffic violations, charges related to substance abuse, theft, or violent crimes.

Verification of Educational Credentials

The verification of educational credentials is a meticulous process that involves several steps. First, it confirms whether the candidate’s degree, diploma, or certificate is legitimate. This involves cross-checking the educational qualifications with the respective educational institutions. Secondly, it verifies the individual’s grades and the field of study.

In addition, this process assesses the institution that awarded the qualifications. Recognized, accredited educational institutions are held in higher regard, and qualifications from such institutions carry more weight. Therefore, the background check will confirm whether the institution is accredited and recognized in its field of education.

Previous Employment Verification

The process of verifying previous employment is a crucial part of a comprehensive international background check. It aims to confirm the accuracy of the information provided by the candidate regarding their work history. The process typically begins by verifying the basic details—dates of employment, job title, and job description. But it goes much beyond these items.

The verification procedure delves deeper and investigates the nature of the candidate’s past roles and their performance in those roles. This includes confirming their reported job responsibilities and accomplishments, ensuring they align with the information provided by the candidate.

Employment Background Investigation

An employment background investigation is a meticulous process that aims to provide a thorough understanding of a candidate’s professional history. This examination delves into the candidate’s work record, exploring their achievements, performance, and behavior in past roles.

Disciplinary actions against candidates in previous jobs are investigated, providing insight into potential behavioral issues or misconduct. Conversely, commendations or awards received by the candidate are also noted, shedding light on their skills, dedication, and successes in the workplace.

Credit History

The credit check investigates the candidate’s financial behavior over a specified period, providing a window into their financial habits and responsibilities. This check begins by looking at the candidate’s credit score, an indicator of their creditworthiness. It is a numerical value assigned based on the individual’s credit history, which includes loan repayments, credit card usage, and overall debt management.

The credit history check also uncovers any records of late payments. Late payments indicate that the individual has had difficulties meeting their financial obligations in the past. This information can be useful when assessing a candidate’s reliability, particularly for financial decision-making roles.

Driving Records

Reviewing a candidate’s driving history is one of the essential parts of an international background check, particularly for roles that require driving. It uncovers any instances of reckless driving, DUIs, or serious accidents, indicating a pattern of behavior.

This check ensures the candidate is responsible and has a clean driving record. This examination is a mere look at driving licenses and a comprehensive deep dive into the individual’s driving history. The check also reveals serious vehicular incidents like accidents, particularly those in which the candidate was at fault.

Global Watch List Checks

These checks involve a thorough scan of multiple international databases, which catalog individuals implicated in severe crimes, terrorism, money laundering, illegal trade, or other high-profile offenses that significantly threaten public safety or national security.

The process includes the review of databases such as Interpol’s Most Wanted List, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, and databases of the United Nations, European Union, and various other international regulatory bodies. These checks can reveal if the candidate is subject to any sanctions, wanted for crimes, or listed as a threat.

Verification of Professional Licenses

A meticulous verification of professional licenses is a cornerstone of an international background check. This process aims to verify the authenticity and status of the candidate’s professional licenses. The verification covers a broad spectrum of professions, including, but not limited to, healthcare, law, finance, and real estate.

The initial step in this process is to validate the license’s authenticity. This typically involves cross-referencing the license number and other relevant information with records maintained by the issuing body. Following the authenticity check, the process delves into the current status of the license. This ensures the license is active, valid, and has not expired.

Medical Records

Examining medical records forms a crucial part of an international background check, especially for roles requiring considerable physical exertion. This check aims to evaluate whether the candidate’s health status aligns with the job requirements, ensuring they are physically capable of performing the tasks required by the role.

However, it is essential to note that reviewing medical records is a sensitive area bound by strict privacy laws and regulations. The check must comply with these laws, ensuring privacy and respect for the candidate’s medical information.

Social Media Scrutiny

Social media scrutiny is an increasingly important element in the interconnected digital age. This step involves a detailed analysis of the candidate’s digital footprint across various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and even personal blogs or websites.

The examination begins with an overview of the candidate’s public posts on these platforms. This includes any text, photos, or videos the candidate has shared and their comments or replies to others’ posts. The content shared can provide insights into the candidate’s character, values, interests, and communication style.

In conclusion, an international background check is a complex process, covering various aspects, from educational qualifications to social media presence. It offers a comprehensive picture of an applicant’s past, allowing organizations to make more informed hiring decisions. Therefore, international background checks are an invaluable tool for companies hiring from the global talent pool.

What Shows Up on an International Background Check?