What does a background check or background investigation mean?
A background check simply verifies a candidate’s background information. During the process, claims made by the candidate about, for example, the presence of a criminal record, valid qualifications and work experience. After completing a background check, the employer can guarantee integrity.
Why conduct a background check when applying for a job?
Staff integrity is very important to an organisation, because it mitigates the risk of a mishire. To ensure integrity, it is highly recommended to conduct a background check when hiring.
Through a background check, the candidate’s integrity can also be tested. Additionally, a background check ensures the safety of the company’s employees and customers. After completing the background check, you are sure you have taken precautions and can vouch for the sincerity of your staff. This is extra important when an employee is in contact with vulnerable people, for example the elderly or children.
Lastly, a background check helps reduce material risks. Such as theft, fraud and violence in the workplace.
Points to consider when performing a background check
A background check consists of several components. For instance, in the healthcare sector it is relevant to ask for a BIG registration and for financial advisers you should ask for a Wft diploma. Each situation and position requires a different background check. The most common components are:
Education check: We verify the highest diploma obtained by checking it directly in DUO’s database
Identity check: This check verifies a passport, ID card or residence document
VOG check: A certificate of conduct allows an applicant to prove that their (judicial) past is not an objection to fulfilling a position
Statement of integrity: Validata asks the applicant to truthfully fill in an online questionnaire and to sign this as a guarantee
Benefits of conducting a background check
We highlighted the greatest benefits of conducting a background check below:
- Risk management: By conducting a background check, you can safeguard integrity and protect your organisation from potential risks. Prior to entering in a business relationship, you can be sure whether a potential employee has obtained qualifications, the work experience is correct, whether this person had committed criminal offences, etc. By doing so, possible risks such as theft and fraud can be reduced.
- Preventing a mishire: By checking whether the candidate really has certain diplomas and work experience, an employer can verify whether this candidate has specific skills. By checking before employment, you can avoid a mishire.
- Quality management: The quality of your recruitment process is guaranteed when the applicant is screened upon hiring. In fact, a background check can help you hire the right candidates for a position. Not only do you select the candidate with knowledge and skills, but you can be sure that someone will contribute to the sustainable growth of your organisation.
- Comply with laws and regulations: Different rules apply to each sector when it comes to hiring staff. In the financial sector, for example, as an employer you have a big responsibility in assessing the reliability of a potential employee. Curious about a suitable screening solution for your sector?
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