Conducting Reference and Background Inquiries
Reference and background inquiries allow an employer to verify information provided by the applicant. Companies who make proper and judicious use of the information gathered as a result of a thorough background investigation typically reduce exposure to employee fraud, theft, embezzlement, turnover, unqualified employees, negligent hiring claims and violence in the workplace. We are the greater Michigan experts in conducting all types of pre employment investigations.
The following are the most important aspects that makeup a background investigation.
Additionally, how the information can be used to significantly reduce employee difficulties and employment litigation is also discussed: Employer References Checking past employers is used primarily to verify information provided by the applicant on resumes and applications such as dates of employment, job title, compensation, reasons for separation, and re-hire status. With even a small amount of information provided by a past or current employer, you may be able to gauge an applicant’s skill, ability and honesty or perhaps areas such as attendance problems, violent behavior, and manageability.
-Required element in the defense of negligent hiring claims (regardless of whether or not the reference shares information).
Education Verification An important integrity check. Surveys suggest that as many as 1 in 3 resumes and applications contain inaccurate education assertions and that more than 500,000 Americans have bought their academic degrees. This area contains the second highest rate of inaccuracy, behind salary.
This check verifies education commiserate with position requirements.
-This is one of the easiest checks to pursue.
-This may include industry specific certifications and other non-degree-oriented training.
Personal & Professional References
Similar to screening employer references and great for gaining an insight into some personality traits of the applicant.
- Addresses of friends and family that are in other states, or are otherwise a great distance away, may also indicate that the candidate had lived in that area.
This is important regarding criminal record checks.
Department of Motor Vehicles Report May verify the type, status, validity, and restrictions of the applicant’s driver’s license. Can also be used to verify information provided by the candidate such as current address, date of birth and license endorsements.
-Essential if the applicant will drive on company time or use company vehicles. -May indicate a history of substance abuse.
-Required element in the defense of negligent hiring claims.
Social Security Number Trace
A specialized report that may indicate a social security number’s validity or uncover aliases and other people using the same number. Generally includes a candidate’s current and previously reported addresses for comparison to an application.
-Previous addresses should be used in the criminal history check.
-Required element in defense of negligent hiring claims.
Criminal Background Checks
Make a thorough criminal background check. It is not uncommon for employers to be sued for an employee’s illegal acts. Do not check arrest histories, only records of criminal convictions. Compare to application to determine a candidate’s honesty. You should not immediately disqualify a candidate for convictions, unless they are not included on the application. Convictions must recent and job related (i.e. driver applicant with a DWI conviction or a retail candidate convicted of shoplifting or theft). The criminal background check is essential in considering a candidate’s character, integrity, history of violent behavior, and suitability for the job. It is best to visit the appropriate county’s Clerk of Court criminal records office in person but you can also reach them by phone, fax, computer or mail.
-Past performance is indicative of future results.
-Required element in the defense of negligent hiring claims.
-If you should find information that causes you not to hire an individual, keep a copy for your records.
Pre-Employment Credit Check
Also called a PEER report by credit reporting bureaus. This report is similar to a standard consumer credit report. It may contain secured and unsecured loan, revolving credit (credit card) and other debt information, as well as payment history. It may include information from public record sources such as judgments, liens, and bankruptcies. -Used to gauge a candidate’s fiscal responsibility and financial pressures.
-May also include information from the less expensive Social Security Trace.
Federal & State License Verification
Used when an applicant must have a license for the job. Verifies the validity, type and status of required licensing.
-Complaints and administrative actions regarding licensed individuals may also be available.
-Required element in the defense of negligent hiring claims.
Honesty, Attitude, and Psychological Profile Testing
Although not a background or reference investigation, these tests have a definite place in the pre-hire process. These surveys measure a candidate’s attitude regarding honesty, ethics, substance abuse, reliability, work and supervisors.
-These test typically cost between $6-$10 per candidate.
-Over 45% of Fortune 100 Companies use profile testing at some level in their organization.
Drug Screening Again, tests for the use of illicit drug use also have a definite place in the pre-hire process. Many studies have linked drug use in the workplace to higher than average losses. According to one such study, the average theft incident per employee with a substance addiction is 6.3 times higher than to the average theft incident committed by a non-addicted employee. OSHA has recently re-released information indicating that employees in companies with drug screening programs are 4 times less likely to have job related accidents, equating to greater productivity and profits.
-Required element in the defense of negligent hiring claims (especially when employees operate machinery, drive on company time or use company vehicles).
Keep in mind, the results from these reports must be compared against provided information in order to measure an applicant’s honesty. Hiring a dishonest candidate is never a good decision. There are many more sources for background and reference investigations than have been included here; a licensed private investigation agency specializing in pre-employment investigations may be able to help you identify and obtain any additional needs. Before you make your next hiring decision or offer of employment, call us at 1.888.877.5749- free of charge and obligation- just to make sure that you've covered all of your bases. This is our commitment to all small and medium-sized business owners without the resources large corporations have at their disposal. As in all aspects of the hiring process, federal and state laws may govern how you use or share information obtained while conducting these and other checks; always maintain documentation generated as a result of these reports. Furthermore, all positions do not require every check or screening process included; for example, a waiter’s position in a restaurant may not warrant the expense of a credit check, motor vehicle report or psychological profile testing.
Some Important Considerations:
· All employers should seriously consider a comprehensive drug-screening program.
· Any time a state or federal license is required for the position, a license verification check must be completed.
· Background investigations for jobs requiring access to cash, financial records, and valuable merchandise (jewelry, weapons, electronics, etc.) should include a pre-employment credit check, with check-ups performed semi-annually.
· Department of Motor Vehicle Records should be checked semi-annually.
· Criminal Background checks should be completed once a year.
· Additional investigation components should be verified when an employee is promoted.
There are many other checks and resources available to the public that can be used to uncover possible sources of fraud, theft, and dishonesty. The components listed above are the most common elements of a background investigation and are not meant to be an exhaustive study. The services of a competent investigations company should be sought to discuss additional options.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Background Checks: How They Can Help Better Protect Your Small Business Against Crime
If you run a small business, you've got a lot of worries. Besides all the normal concerns like competition and pricing and location and customer service... now security has become increasingly important. You face the threat of theft, fraud, embezzlement, scams... the list seems almost endless.
When you're in business, you can run up against...
- Suppliers who provide shoddy goods that you don't discover until after you've paid for them
- Customers whose orders you promptly fill but who wiggle out of paying
- Employees who rob you of everything from supplies and equipment to cash and services.
The Federation of Small Business - a British business group reported that over half (58%) of all small businesses in the UK suffered at least one crime during a recent two year period. They concluded:
"Crime, and the fear of crime, can directly impact on day to day business activities. It can damage a business image, resulting in the loss of existing customers and deterioration in the quality and range of services offered by the business, which will limit turnover (profits) andrestrict business development."
When you run a small business, it's up to you to look out for your company. But how?
Background Search Services on the Web Provide an Economical Answer
Many of the problems that small businesses face in trying to deter crime can be helped with information available from G Woodbury & Associates, Inc.. We can use 21st Century technology to get the better of the crooks and thieves and scam artists. But if you're not familiar with what's available, you may not realize all the important things you can find out with a good background checking service.
It used to be expensive to check into someone's background to see if they were hiding anything. Not today - not with G Woodbury & Associates, Inc. Your business will benefit most from the more in-depth background checking services. These higher quality services usually charge a fee, but it's smaller than you'd expect - especially considering the volumes and usefulness of the information we provide. Pre-Emplyment Screenings are often less than what you'd pay to bring in lunch for a staff meeting. Plus, our services are kept more up-to-date and are typically faster and easier to use. Our services give you the low-down on all kinds of formerly-hidden information.
Here are the types of things you can and should be looking into for the protection of your business...
Criminal Background Checks
Any time your business is dealing with someone you don't know, you should run a quick check to see if they have any history of criminal activity. It's very simple to find out about:
- Criminal Records
- FBI Records
- Prison Records
- Sex Offender Status
You will recieve access to their entire criminal history if there is one. With violence in the workplace such a major issue, a simple criminal check can be a very effective way to avoid problems before they happen. Background Check for Employment (Pre-Employment Screening)
If you've got a small business, you should be pre-screening each person you consider hiring. No matter how professional, or how harmless, they appear.
A small print shop franchise in Florida hired an especially friendly fellow as their bookkeeper after the owner got too busy to handle it himself. The new employee didn't offer much in the way of references but he sounded like he knew what he was doing and - big plus - he agreed to work cheap. The owner figured he would save money hiring the guy. He figured wrong.
The bookkeeper drained more than a hundred thousand dollars out of the company before they found him out. Turned out he'd previously been charged with embezzlement. Something a criminal background check would have quickly turned up.
Contact G Woodbury & Associates, Inc. at 1.888.877.5749 with any questions.
When you're in business, you can run up against...
- Suppliers who provide shoddy goods that you don't discover until after you've paid for them
- Customers whose orders you promptly fill but who wiggle out of paying
- Employees who rob you of everything from supplies and equipment to cash and services.
The Federation of Small Business - a British business group reported that over half (58%) of all small businesses in the UK suffered at least one crime during a recent two year period. They concluded:
"Crime, and the fear of crime, can directly impact on day to day business activities. It can damage a business image, resulting in the loss of existing customers and deterioration in the quality and range of services offered by the business, which will limit turnover (profits) andrestrict business development."
When you run a small business, it's up to you to look out for your company. But how?
Background Search Services on the Web Provide an Economical Answer
Many of the problems that small businesses face in trying to deter crime can be helped with information available from G Woodbury & Associates, Inc.. We can use 21st Century technology to get the better of the crooks and thieves and scam artists. But if you're not familiar with what's available, you may not realize all the important things you can find out with a good background checking service.
It used to be expensive to check into someone's background to see if they were hiding anything. Not today - not with G Woodbury & Associates, Inc. Your business will benefit most from the more in-depth background checking services. These higher quality services usually charge a fee, but it's smaller than you'd expect - especially considering the volumes and usefulness of the information we provide. Pre-Emplyment Screenings are often less than what you'd pay to bring in lunch for a staff meeting. Plus, our services are kept more up-to-date and are typically faster and easier to use. Our services give you the low-down on all kinds of formerly-hidden information.
Here are the types of things you can and should be looking into for the protection of your business...
Criminal Background Checks
Any time your business is dealing with someone you don't know, you should run a quick check to see if they have any history of criminal activity. It's very simple to find out about:
- Criminal Records
- FBI Records
- Prison Records
- Sex Offender Status
You will recieve access to their entire criminal history if there is one. With violence in the workplace such a major issue, a simple criminal check can be a very effective way to avoid problems before they happen. Background Check for Employment (Pre-Employment Screening)
If you've got a small business, you should be pre-screening each person you consider hiring. No matter how professional, or how harmless, they appear.
A small print shop franchise in Florida hired an especially friendly fellow as their bookkeeper after the owner got too busy to handle it himself. The new employee didn't offer much in the way of references but he sounded like he knew what he was doing and - big plus - he agreed to work cheap. The owner figured he would save money hiring the guy. He figured wrong.
The bookkeeper drained more than a hundred thousand dollars out of the company before they found him out. Turned out he'd previously been charged with embezzlement. Something a criminal background check would have quickly turned up.
Contact G Woodbury & Associates, Inc. at 1.888.877.5749 with any questions.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Who Should You Trust?
We all have someone in our lives with whom we feel we can share all of our thoughts and secrets. Usually it is a member of our family, or a schoolmate whose friendship has endured through the decades. These people have usually seen us at our best and at our worst, and they have been right there by our sides to see us through it all. Such friends and family share in the triumphs and suffer through the sorrows. There are no ulterior motives.
Many of us also have friends we have known for quite some time, who are always open and friendly, but never really help carry the burden when the going gets tough. Or we have family members who suddenly pop into our lives from seemingly nowhere.
How many of these people do you trust? Would you trust them with your life? Can you trust them with a secret? Or do you trust no one?
Be careful who you trust – your welfare may depend upon it
When it comes to matters of great importance, we must be very cautious with our secrets. How many times have you heard stories of the trusted caregiver stealing his or her elderly charge blind? Suddenly a helpless senior citizen with no family to speak of is left destitute, their life’s savings stolen from them by the very person who was supposed to care for them.
Or, how many times have you seen one person suddenly befriend another, only because they wanted something they couldn’t otherwise attain? Remember Selena, the singer? Her trusted manager and friend not only stole from her, but she eventually killed her.
How do you know who you can trust, or if you even should? In cases of close family, you most likely already know who has stood by you through it all and who has not. However, when it comes to other people, use caution and trust your judgment.
Research their intentions and past, easily and legally
If you feel someone has befriended you because they want something from you, play detective and try to find out what that person’s wants and needs are. Learning what they lack in their life may very well hold the key to what they are looking for from you – giving you the knowledge to protect yourself and your assets.
If you suspect your newfound friend is in financial trouble, try looking into court records to see if any bankruptcies have been filed, or any judgments have been made against that person. Look for property foreclosures, IRS or other tax liens, or court-ordered wage garnishments. Try to determine if your friend has a gambling problem.
On the other hand, you may suspect your new friend is a thief, or running from someone. A personal background check should reveal secrets about your friend’s life, including any criminal misconduct.
Most of this investigation can be done via the Internet by searching public records. However, you may have to dig into many different databases to get the answers you want. If you are looking for an easy, quick way to search an individual’s true history, an online background check service, such as G Woodbury & Associates, Inc., is an affordable way to search all available databases with us.
Looking into someone’s past may not seem necessary, but it will be well worth it if it saves you the headache of a stolen identity or an empty bank account. It will also be worth it if you are able to forge one of those rare, lifelong friendships
Many of us also have friends we have known for quite some time, who are always open and friendly, but never really help carry the burden when the going gets tough. Or we have family members who suddenly pop into our lives from seemingly nowhere.
How many of these people do you trust? Would you trust them with your life? Can you trust them with a secret? Or do you trust no one?
Be careful who you trust – your welfare may depend upon it
When it comes to matters of great importance, we must be very cautious with our secrets. How many times have you heard stories of the trusted caregiver stealing his or her elderly charge blind? Suddenly a helpless senior citizen with no family to speak of is left destitute, their life’s savings stolen from them by the very person who was supposed to care for them.
Or, how many times have you seen one person suddenly befriend another, only because they wanted something they couldn’t otherwise attain? Remember Selena, the singer? Her trusted manager and friend not only stole from her, but she eventually killed her.
How do you know who you can trust, or if you even should? In cases of close family, you most likely already know who has stood by you through it all and who has not. However, when it comes to other people, use caution and trust your judgment.
Research their intentions and past, easily and legally
If you feel someone has befriended you because they want something from you, play detective and try to find out what that person’s wants and needs are. Learning what they lack in their life may very well hold the key to what they are looking for from you – giving you the knowledge to protect yourself and your assets.
If you suspect your newfound friend is in financial trouble, try looking into court records to see if any bankruptcies have been filed, or any judgments have been made against that person. Look for property foreclosures, IRS or other tax liens, or court-ordered wage garnishments. Try to determine if your friend has a gambling problem.
On the other hand, you may suspect your new friend is a thief, or running from someone. A personal background check should reveal secrets about your friend’s life, including any criminal misconduct.
Most of this investigation can be done via the Internet by searching public records. However, you may have to dig into many different databases to get the answers you want. If you are looking for an easy, quick way to search an individual’s true history, an online background check service, such as G Woodbury & Associates, Inc., is an affordable way to search all available databases with us.
Looking into someone’s past may not seem necessary, but it will be well worth it if it saves you the headache of a stolen identity or an empty bank account. It will also be worth it if you are able to forge one of those rare, lifelong friendships
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Teen Investigations, Investigating Teenagers
Teen investigations are unique and at times a very sobering experience for the entire family, but becoming more prominent and necessary. Providing peace of mind through discreet investigations of your teen to verify their activities can save their life.
Things are much different for teenagers growing up in 2009 the last year of the 2000s decade versus previous decades. Drug use, gang activity, shoplifting / theft, school shootings and violent attacks on fellow students are common headlines in the news today. I would have never imagined these headlines being so common. These alarming stories are not limited to just inner cities but have spread throughout our country and impact us no matter what corner of the United States we live in from rural farm lands like Lancaster, PA to New York City and Los Angeles.
We all need car insurance, home owners insurance and health insurance. So, why would you not want to insure your child? Having a teen investigation conducting when there are red flags being waved to verify and identify what is taking place with your most valued possession, your child, should not be overlooked or ignored. What is he/she doing and with whom? Making the decision to investigate your child is not an easyone, but in the grand scheme of things, this decision is small but larger than life.
RED FLAGS
Things are much different for teenagers growing up in 2009 the last year of the 2000s decade versus previous decades. Drug use, gang activity, shoplifting / theft, school shootings and violent attacks on fellow students are common headlines in the news today. I would have never imagined these headlines being so common. These alarming stories are not limited to just inner cities but have spread throughout our country and impact us no matter what corner of the United States we live in from rural farm lands like Lancaster, PA to New York City and Los Angeles.
We all need car insurance, home owners insurance and health insurance. So, why would you not want to insure your child? Having a teen investigation conducting when there are red flags being waved to verify and identify what is taking place with your most valued possession, your child, should not be overlooked or ignored. What is he/she doing and with whom? Making the decision to investigate your child is not an easyone, but in the grand scheme of things, this decision is small but larger than life.
RED FLAGS
Poor grades?
Mood swings?
Poor attendance?
Suspected Drug Use?
Different friends, recently?
Disappear for hours at a time?
Hanging with the wrong crowd?
Discreet or excessive computer use?
Is your child acting different or strange?
Is your teenager dating and or involved with an older adult?
Does the mileage in the family car match up to places he/she was supposed to be?
Now is the time to identify when your teen is making poor judgments or unethical decisions before they make that final turn into gangs, drugs and other violent and dangerous activities.
When conducted before it is too late, teen investigations can save your child’s life. Parents have the right to know and protect their children, insuring that their safety and well being today will provide a lifetime of happiness tomorrow.
Author Name: Jeff Stein
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