The HR Guide to Pre-Employment Checks: Know Before You Hire

Hiring the right talent is a critical mission for every HR professional. It's a bit like matchmaking. You want the perfect fit for your company. But before you say "I do" to a new employee, there's some necessary dating, or rather, checking involved. In this HR guide, we will delve into the realm of pre-employment checks, sometimes called employee checks or background checks. It's your toolkit for making sure you're getting the right partner for your organisation.

What Are Pre-Employment Checks?

Pre-employment checks, in a nutshell, are the 'getting to know you' phase of the hiring process. They're the investigative steps you take before bringing someone on board. Employee checks help confirm that your potential employee is who they say they are and that they're the right fit for your company.

Here's the lowdown on what they involve:

• Identity Check: This is like confirming someone's name and age on a first date. You'll verify their identity with documents like passports, driver's licenses, or other valid IDs.
• Right to Work: Think of this as ensuring your partner is a citizen of your country – you need to check if they're legally eligible to work for you.
• Employment History: You wouldn't want someone with a history of unreliable relationships, right? You'll check their employment history to make sure they're as experienced as they claim.
• DBS Checks: A bit like a criminal record check - you want to be sure they're not hiding any dark secrets. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check ensures your potential employee doesn't have a history that could be problematic for your company.

There are many more types of employee checks available. Click here to learn more about each of them and select the one most suitable for you/your potential hire.

What Do Employee Checks Check?

Pre-employment screening can cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Experience in the Workplace
• Criminal record
• Driving histories
• Verification of education
• Credit investigation
• Drug testing
• License/certification verification
• Identity
• Social media usage

Why Are They So Important?

Think of pre-employment checks as your detective skills in action. They help you discover or reveal crucial information. Here's why they're vital:

• Protect Your Company: You're safeguarding your business from potential risks. This could include legal troubles or harm to your company's reputation.
• Ensure Quality: Just as you'd want to know your date's history, you need to know your employee's work history. It helps ensure they're up to the job and fit for your company culture.
• Legal Compliance: To avoid a messy break-up with the law, you need to follow legal hiring procedures. Pre-employment checks help you do just that.

Different Checks for Different Folks

What attributes to test for are determined by the industry and function. Pre-employment screening applications, evaluating resumes, and conducting interviews are all equally important screening processes for every position.

Most occupations require some sort of background check, albeit the precise type of employee check varies on the role.

Just like you have different criteria for a long-term partner versus a casual date, different positions may require different checks. A quick background check might suffice for an intern, while a senior manager might need the full works.

The key is to be consistent and apply the same rules to everyone. This is where Complygate can be your best friend. We offer tailor-made employee check solutions to fit your needs.

The Final Say

Pre-employment checks are like a background check on your potential life partner. They're there to protect you and ensure a happy future together. With Complygate by your side, checking everyone’s background beforhand, you can make sure you're getting hitched to the perfect employee. So, go ahead and say "I do" to the right hiring choice.

Want to learn more about our employee checks? Get in touch with us today.

Remember, just like a dating profile, you want your HR profile to attract the best candidates. The more thorough your pre-employment checks, the more appealing you'll be to the top talent out there. Happy hiring!