Backgrounds Online's Knowledge Bank

Make your hiring results consistent by deciding upon criteria for what constitutes positive or negative results returned on an a background check.

When an employer creates a background check policy and decides what is deemed acceptable and not acceptable, consistency is one of the most important parts. Some industries are mandated by state and/or federal laws while the majority can create their own policies as long as they follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

It is highly recommended that companies utilize the recommendations of their legal council when deciding what will pass or fail a background check. When it comes to criminal records, some companies will accept employees who have had misdemeanors, but not felonies. Other companies will not accept anyone at all with a criminal record. The same hold true for driving records. While some companies will accept one or two tickets or citations in a driving history, other companies will only accept drivers with spotless records. Companies need to think about what is acceptable to them, follow the FCRA or state regulations and then be consistent with the process.

Backgrounds Online’s staff can assist employers with interpreting results, but cannot offer recommendations or opinions as to what is positive or negative on a background check as that is considered legal advice, which is something this company cannot provide. If a company is in doubt as to whether their requirements are acceptable in the eyes of the FCRA or state regulations, it is best they defer to their legal council.