The process of Background Verification (BGV) has to be seen in the context of a technology-driven hiring space which is still evolving. The job market competition has never been this cut-throat, in the middle of a talent war. Candidates are going way beyond their potential to get a rewarding job and exceed employer expectations. Even the employers are making drastic moves to attract and retain top-notch talent. With the ever-widening talent demand-supply gaps, your approach to hiring can go all wrong. It’s a do-or-die situation for HR teams.
Background Verification refers to verification of potential employees by companies. It is a process of collecting and verifying information about an individual’s background, past history, qualifications, and education for the purpose of protecting an organization or business from potential risks.
It is done to ensure that your employees are who they say they are and that they have not been involved in any anti-law, fraudulent activities in the past.
There are several checks that can be used for BGV, including educational verification, employment verification, criminal record checks, credit checks, validating references, address verification, testing for drugs, and social media checks.
Documents Required For Verification
Identity Proof:
- Purpose: To confirm that you are who you claim to be.
- Common Documents: Passport, National Identity Card, Driver’s License, Social Security Card.
- Details: Must be government-issued, contain a photograph, name, date of birth, and an ID number.
Address Proof:
- Purpose: To verify your current and previous residences.
- Common Documents: Utility bills (electricity, water, gas), Bank statements, Lease or rental agreements, Voter ID (if it includes address).
- Details: Should have your name and address clearly listed, and be recent (usually within 3-6 months).
Employment History:
- Purpose: To verify positions held, duration of employment, and job responsibilities.
- Common Documents: Offer letters, Relieving letters, Pay slips, Reference letters.
- Details: Should include employment dates, titles, and contact information of supervisors or HR departments.
Education Verification:
- Purpose: To confirm academic credentials and qualifications.
- Common Documents: Diplomas, Degrees, Certificates, Mark sheets, Transcripts.
- Details: Need to show the full name of the institution, course of study, and date of graduation. Sometimes, verification codes or seals are also necessary.
Criminal Background:
- Purpose: To check for any criminal history that might be relevant to the job.
- Common Documents: Police clearance certificates, Criminal background checks from an authorized body.
- Details: This may vary greatly by country; some places have an online verification system, while others require a visit to a police station.
Credit History:
- Purpose: To assess financial responsibility, particularly for roles that handle finances.
- Common Documents: Credit report, Bankruptcy discharge documents.
- Details: Credit reports typically summarize credit activity and current credit situation including loan paying history and the status of credit accounts.
Professional Licenses:
- Purpose: To confirm the validity and status of any professional licensure claimed.
- Common Documents: License certificates and verification letters from the licensing body.
- Details: Should include the license number, date of issue, expiration date, and status (active, expired, suspended).
Reference Checks:
- Purpose: To gather insights into your work ethic, character, and professional experience.
- Common Documents: List of references with contact information.
- Details: Typically includes names, job titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses of former supervisors or colleagues.
Drug Screening:
- Purpose: To ensure compliance with company policies regarding drug use.
- Common Documents: Drug test report from an authorized medical facility.
- Details: A negative result is usually required; some companies may perform their own testing after the initial employment offer.
Immigration Documents:
- Purpose: To establish eligibility to work in the country for non-citizens.
- Common Documents: Work permits, Visas, Green cards, Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Details: Must be current and allow for the specific type of employment.
