What’s included in an employee background check? The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets the standards for screening for employment. At a minimum, a background check will verify your social security number. However, employers are generally seeking additional data on employment history, educational credentials, credit history and possible criminal background.
While there are obvious privacy concerns related to such requests, employers (arguably) have at least some justification in their “need-to-know” efforts. According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a consumer rights organization, areas of employer inquiry and concern might include:
- False or misleading data offered by job applicants, e.g., fictitious employment or educational credentials
- Negligent hiring lawsuits brought against an employer as the result of an employee causing harm to others
- Federal and state legal requirements for certain positions, e.g., those related to contact with children or the elderly
- Fallout from corporate scandals
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