When it comes to hiring new employees or conducting business with individuals, background checks are an essential tool for ensuring the safety and well-being of your company. In today’s world, where the risk of fraud and theft is higher than ever, conducting a thorough background check is an effective way to mitigate risk and protect your business. The best background check will provide a thorough and accurate assessment of an individual’s past history. There are several different types of background checks that reveal various aspects of an individual’s history, and it is important to understand the difference between them in order to make an informed decision about which type of check is right for your needs.

1. Criminal History Check: This type of background check is designed to uncover any past criminal convictions or arrest records. Criminal history checks are typically the most comprehensive type of background check and provide the most comprehensive view of an individual’s criminal history. This type of check can reveal if an individual has been convicted of a crime, and the type of crime that was committed. In some cases, criminal history checks can also reveal if an individual has been arrested but not convicted, which can provide valuable information about an individual’s criminal behavior.
2. Employment History Check: An employment history check verifies an individual’s previous employment, including dates of employment, job titles, and job responsibilities. This type of check can reveal if an individual has a history of job hopping or if they have been fired from previous positions. An employment history check can also reveal if an individual has a history of absenteeism or tardiness, which can be important for positions that require punctuality and reliability.
3. Education and Credential Verification: This type of background check verifies an individual’s educational background, including the degrees they have received, the schools they attended, and any professional licenses they hold. This type of check can reveal if an individual has falsified their educational background or if they lack the necessary credentials for the job they are applying for. Education and credential verification can be particularly important for positions that require specialized training, such as those in the medical or legal fields.
4. Driving Record Check: A driving record check reveals an individual’s driving history, including any traffic violations, accidents, and suspensions or revocations of their driver’s license. This type of check is important for positions that require driving, such as delivery drivers or truck drivers. A driving record check can reveal if an individual has a history of reckless or careless driving, which can be a risk for your company if the individual is driving a company vehicle.
5. Credit Check: A credit check provides a detailed view of an individual’s credit history, including their credit score, debt levels, and payment history. This type of check can reveal if an individual has a history of financial mismanagement or if they are in a precarious financial situation that could affect their ability to perform their job duties. Credit checks are particularly important for positions that involve handling money, such as those in finance or accounting.
6. Drug Test: A drug test is a type of background check that reveals if an individual has used drugs in the past. This type of check is particularly important for safety-sensitive positions, such as those in law enforcement, healthcare, or transportation. Drug tests can help ensure that employees are not under the influence of drugs while performing their job duties, which can be a risk to themselves and others.
7. Reference Check: A reference check involves contacting an individual’s previous employers, co-workers, or supervisors to verify their job performance and conduct. This type of check can reveal if an individual has a history of poor performance, conflicts with coworkers, or other job-related issues. Reference checks can also provide valuable insight into an individual’s work habits and ethics.