Backgrounds Online's Knowledge Bank

Discussing the results of a background check with your employees is a healthy and constructive way of clearing up misconceptions or inconsistencies.

Some employers are of the belief, because a third party (Backgrounds Online) performs the background checks, that they are not allowed to discuss results with their employees or applicants directly. This is definitely not the case.

When comparing the results of the background check with a job applicant’s resume or application, an employer may notice some inconsistencies which cannot be answered. These could possibly occur in any part of the report. Before denying employment based solely on a discrepancy, employers are encouraged to sit down with the applicant, should circumstances permit, and discuss it.

For example, an applicant stated he worked for “ABC Company” on his resume, but that company had no record of employment. Sitting down and discussing the results with the applicant might reveal that he was a contractor and “ABC Company” does not consider contractors to be actual employees.

As shown in the aforementioned example, discussing results with employees may clear up any issues which arise. Employers may also contact Backgrounds Online for clarification on any part of the report before they discuss results with employees.