Verifying employment history is a vital step for all organizations, especially government or security-related organizations. This is because candidates can always exaggerate on their resumes to boost their profile. Despite this issue, many organizations fall back on just the reference check instead of applying a full screening process.
To remain fair and to ensure a proper screening process is conducted, organizations should consider hiring professional background screening services from an external investigating company. These companies generally know the ins and outs of employment verification. They can provide your organization with a detailed report of every employment record the employee has provided, and they undertake the following checks.
When you verify employment history, the employer’s primary goal is to confirm the details about you and your past, including employment records, education and identity. For employees, they must get all their official papers, education certifications, IDs and ready information available so that the employer has this information upfront. If they want to conduct a deeper verification process, they may request a third party or have their in-house HR teams verifying the employee’s background. Employers may even request for medical records depending on the position. Like pilots, ship captains, and soldiers.
Before conducting any checks, the employer has to request permission from the candidate to run a background check. This ensures the individual is comfortable with the process. This request will be provided in writing and the employee will have to provide written authorization in return to release confidential information.
Below are eight steps on how to verify employment history:
1. Background check
A background check could be a simple check on companies and references provided. Companies that want to verify employment history will seek out a third-party representation in which case, an authorization from the candidate is requested. If it is a comprehensive background check, it can include work history, credit history, driving records, criminal records and, to a certain extent, medical records.
2. Criminal search
Many governments or learning institutions may require a criminal check to verify employment history. For example, high school or elementary teachers may have to present a police clearance to obtain employment at a school. The candidate will have to provide their fingerprints at a police station in their area and the station will issue a police clearance certificate that the candidate can present to the employer.
3. Education check
Many jobs require certain education degrees or special certifications, which are highlighted in the job description advertised. This is essential for the healthcare industry as doctors and nurses are dealing with human health daily. Even the construction industry requires certified construction supervisors or project managers.
For some critical jobs, an education or certification check is necessary to ensure the potential employee is competent. A thorough education check prevents liability for employers in the long run.
4. Identity verification
The most important ID is your SIN number that companies will request for employment. The ID card is a document you use to prove your identity. Your government official ID cards would be the best to provide so that the employer can confirm your identity and ensure they have the correct information for the contract as well.
This is an essential part of how to verify employment history. Always make sure your ID card is updated and if nearing expiration, is renewed before you seek new employment.
5. Internet and social media search
You can expect the employer or a hired third-party investigator to search for all your social media accounts. This is why you should ensure that your social media accounts are well maintained, and the information and photos are appropriate. LinkedIn profiles are the most common and will be the one that employers will first look at.
6. Credit bureau inquiry
If the employment involves a CEO position or high financial position, you can expect the employer to carry out a credit report as you will be handling cash, credit, cheques and other financial confidential data. They want to verify your employment history and make sure your record is good to be considered for these sensitive positions. The employer usually looks for inconsistencies in payment, defaulted payments or bankruptcy.
7. Driver abstract
Driver abstracts are common, especially when you will be given a company vehicle to drive. Some positions like sales, business development, marketing and events coordination involve employees to drive during work hours using a company vehicle or a paid rent-a-car provided by the company. For these positions, employers will request your driving record to verify there are no traffic violations or accidents.
8. Reference check
Reference checks are part of every new employment and employers will request this information. They will ask you to provide 3 to 4 references for your recent employment. They will request for the full name, your connection, position, company, email and phone.
Generally, they will contact all your references but may present you with an offer when at least two of your references are successful. Sometimes a reference check may not be part of the verification process and might only be conducted after the verification of your identity and background are successfully completed.
