The Case Against Social Media Searches in a Socially Distanced World
Businesses lose billions of dollars each year because they hire candidates with criminal records!
Sexual harassment, theft, violence in the workplace, and negligent hiring are issues that should concern employer’s everyday. In a world where obtaining valuable information is becoming less expensive, more accessible and even more necessary, not enough businesses recognize the value of this information until it’s too late.
Small businesses are more at risk because they can’t not afford to sustain the losses of a large business. Many large companies opt to implement background checks on potential applicants across the board. Why wouldn’t you?
Performing a social security trace (SSN) is actually a nationwide trace, which invaluably serves as an identifier. The social trace reveals all of the names, addresses and potential dates associated with a particular social security number and whether the applicant is using multiple SSN’s to conceal their identity.
This trace also proves to be an essential element in researching criminal history. Why wouldn’t you want to confirm the identity of your applicant?
Conducting a statewide drivers’ history search is highly recommended on all applicants and will trace back for a period of three years. This search will not only reveal any motor vehicle violations, failures to appear, and arrest warrants, but it will also reveal all drug and/or alcohol related driving offenses. For example, driving under the influence, and possession of an illegal and/or controlled substance, that may not be contained in a criminal court record.
An On-Site Criminal History Search proves to be absolutely essential in the hiring process. It is frequently understood that while databases serve to broaden the net of your search, they often are not FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) compliant, based on the absence of multiple states from their network, and the timeliness of their data.
This is why having the records hand searched is so important. These searches can be made available for a period of up to 5, 7, or even 10 years, depending on state of employment.
It is recommended that a criminal history search be performed in all counties of residence, and on all names associated with the individuals’ social security number. At the very least, companies are urged to perform criminal history searches in order to protect themselves from a potentially damaging negligent hiring lawsuit.
Unfortunately, approximately 34% of all applicants falsify their application according to The Wall Street Journal. The best opportunity you have to protect your company and people from an unsavory workplace environment may be the powerful information you receive prior to hiring an employee.
Make sure you have all the ammunition you need to make an informed hiring decision.
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