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Background check during a job application process

When you apply for a job, it is not uncommon for employers to request a background check on you before you are offered the position. In short, a background check means that we verify to the employer that you are who you claim to be.

Here we go through everything you need to know before you are screened and what your rights are concerning a background check for a job.

Why am I being screened?

Background checks help employers build an honest and safe work environment where employees can thrive. By objectively checking the relevant data, potential risks can come to light before hiring.

An employment screening is a formal and objective check of your information. By checking parts of a person’s background, the employer can verify the person’s integrity and ensure the best possible hire for a certain position.

Employment checks always take place at the end of the recruitment process and is the final step before you are offered the position.

Is my employer allowed to screen me?

Yes, in general, your employer does not need your consent to conduct a background check. However, the employer is always obliged to notify you in advance if you are to be screened.

As stated in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), an employer may order a screening and process your personal data if there is a legal basis and a legitimate interest, which is the case for a recruitment. For an employer, the legitimate interest is to mitigate certain risks of employment.

However, there are limitations on the scope of the screening. A check must be proportionate to the professional role and the risks involved. For example, a check for the role of a shop assistant is not as extensive as if you are applying for an advisory position in banking and finance.

Can I decline a job background check?

You can inform your employer that you do not wish to have a screening carried out on you. However, the employer does not need your consent to conduct the check. Also, keep in mind that if you do not give your consent to a screening, the employer may decide to move on with another candidate instead.

If you have any concerns, we therefore recommend that you discuss the matter with the employer. If you are concerned about how we handle your personal data or have any other questions about how a background check works, you are always welcome to read our privacy statement or contact us at Validata.

What kind of background checks are conducted?

The type of background check that will be carried out on you depends on several factors. These include the sector in which the company operates, the professional role you are applying for, and the responsibilities involved in the role. From an identity check to verifying your work experience or education. A selection of background checks that Validata can conduct are the following:

  • Identity check
  • Education check
  • Credit check
  • Criminal record check
  • Work experience check
  • Company check
  • PEP-, Sanction list, and Adverse media check.

You can find more information on each background check here.

What happens if we find a deviation in your background check?

When you undergo a screening, you are asked to provide information about yourself. If the information you have provided does not match the data we receive from our data provider, it will be noted as a deviation.

We always advise the employer to discuss any deviations with you. In most cases, it concerns a minor default that can be easily explained.

Exempel på screeningrapport

Privacy and transparency are important in Validata´s screening process

Validata offers screening services to large and small companies that need to verify certain personal data due to company policies or laws and regulations, before entering new business relations. This may include employers who need to check a candidate’s identity, previous work experience or credit history.

We understand that you may feel uncomfortable being screened, therefore privacy and transparency are important to us.

During a screening process, we process your personal data in accordance with the applicable confidentiality rules, so you can trust nothing goes wrong. To guarantee the security of the software and the screening process, we use a strict framework that is regularly tested by independent parties. Validata meets the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), so you can be sure that the processing of your personal data is in safe hands. We are completely open and honest about how we process your data so you have full control throughout the process.

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