Industry Related Background Checks

Background checks are not a “one-size-fits-all” type of service. In fact, it is highly advised that certain industries conduct specific searches based on the positions they hire for.

Employers must identify each position within their organization, and identify any special industry related background checks that they feel would assist in making a well-informed hiring decision aside from a standard entry-level background (i.e. criminal background check).

The infographic below illustrates the types of industries that utilize background checks and searches that each industry could benefit from.

Organizations must align themselves with a compliant and competent third-party background screening organization that has the capabilities of segmenting searches for certain industries.

Transportation

The Department of Transportation (DOT) places tight regulations on employers. From compliant regulated drug testing, verifying commercial driver’s license, and previous employment verification, employers must adhere to the requirements set forth by the DOT. In 2018, federal regulations added opioids to drug testing requirements in response to the opioid epidemic. For this reason, transportation employers must understand the importance of maintaining a drug-free workplace and being in compliance with DOT drug testing requirements.

Educational

Screening is knowledge and knowledge is power. Educational institutions have a duty to students, faculty, and staff to promote a safe workplace and only hire qualified employees. Screening should include verifications of all employment and degrees, along with civil records to see if the applicant has a propensity to sue previous employers and/or consumers. Credential checks are vital to determine the most qualified faculty and/or staff members.

Financial Services

Extremely regulated industries such as those for financial services requires employers to conduct a comprehensive background check including verification of any professional license, government sanction excluded list, and civil judgment records. Additionally, live scan fingerprinting is required for licensing purposes. Results (if applicable) will reveal every time a consumer was arrested for a crime as an adult, information that is also revealed through a traditional employment background check. Due to the sensitivity and responsibilities given to employees in this industry, industry related background checks such as consumer credit reports should also be pulled to identify any financial red flags.

Healthcare

From patient safety to confidential health records compliance, healthcare organizations must understand industry specific searches such as the Health and Human Services (HHS) excluded parties list, which will identify individuals barred from participating in federal and state Medicare or Medicaid programs.  Additionally, any and all licenses and/or credentials claimed by the employee should be validated and verified for current status and any disciplinary actions. Healthcare providers must also understand that live scan fingerprinting is a requirement for state licensing. Occupational testing including TB testing and employment physicals should be a part of their industry related background checks due to the nature of the job.

Non-Profit

Nonprofit organizations place a major importance on their workforce and volunteers in order to accomplish their purpose and objectives. Since these organization rely heavily on their volunteer, it is vital that they treat them as regular employees when it comes to background checks. Recognizing that nonprofits are concerned with their “bottom line” due to limited capital, this does not mean that they should be cheap when it comes to the background check. The majority of nonprofit organizations have an advisory board made up of professionals in the community or specific industries that are willing to donate their time to uphold the entity’s mission. These professionals should also be screened for verification of previous board positions and criminal backgrounds.

Retail

High turnover rates plagues the retail industry and hiring “on the fly” seems to be the norm; therefore, employers in this space need to ensure they are conducting background checks that will rule out those who might not fit the organization’s core values in a timely manner. Criminal background checks that reveal any convictions for theft would be grounds for not hiring employees in the retail industry. It is estimated that employees cause over $50 billion in loss to retailers annually, which is 42.7% of total inventory shrinkage affecting businesses. Employers should also have industry related background checks for vendors that come in contact with their customers and clients.

Staffing

Set your business apart from other organizations within your footprint and lower the innate risk associated with temporary staffing employees. Whether you are a boutique recruiting firm or a substantially large staffing firm, your reputation is directly reflected by the type of personnel you provide.

Staffing firms must align themselves with a credible and compliant background screening vendor that has the capabilities of screening for multiple industries in an expedited manner without compromising the quality of the background check results. Staffing firms have a duty to their clients to provide competent and viable workforce tailored to the employer’s needs.

Technology

The technology industry sector is comprised of a large number of business sectors:

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Artificial Intelligence
• Biotechnology
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Nanotechnology
• Nuclear Physics
• Photonics
• Robotics
• Semiconductors
• Telecommunications

If your organization hires applicants from the industries mentioned above, the importance of screening for the most qualified applicant is crucial. This industry will continue to grow and expand with additional regulation and compliance with an emphasis on quality; therefore, employers must take the same philosophy with their employees. With our wide variety of services, we guarantee quality delivery of in-depth background checks that many technology organizations need for handling:

• Sensitive customer data
• Government contracts
• Security protocols required by industry regulation

Technology organizations should leverage HR technology and streamline the applicant on-boarding process to reduce initiation and completion of the background screening report.

Manufacturing

Organizations in manufacturing and construction are faced with constant deadlines and safety issues that require a compliant non-discriminatory background screening process. Maintaining and promoting a drug and hostile-free work environment should be paramount for organizations. This can only be achieved by conducting industry related background checks:

• Employment Physicals
• County Civil Searches
• Drug and Alcohol Testing
• Occupational Testing
• Employment Verification

Due to high workplace accidents and mandatory state and federal audits, organizations in manufacturing should have a robust and compliant background screening program.