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Part 3: "Tips to Help You Safely and Effectively Use the Background Check Report in Your Hiring Process"
Under CRA regulations, a Background Check cannot legally report cases that were dismissed, where the defendant was found not guilty, or arrest records where no conviction was listed. If your Background Check record does include any of this information, you would be wise to not consider it in your employment decision.
What is your next step?
If you find that the report shows no criminal record, then great. You can move forward and formally hire your applicant.
However, if a criminal record is found, it is more problematic and you should proceed with these guidelines in mind.
- How recent was/were the conviction(s)? A conviction record that occurred many years ago (with a clean record since) should not be considered an indication of current conduct or recurring behavior. Most Background Check companies use a time frame of 5 – 10 years as a range of reference.
- How is this record relevant to your open position? In order to be compliant with EEOC guidelines, it is necessary to determine what type of criminal history would keep an applicant from performing their job duties in a manner that is safe and would not cause damage to your business. For example, past convictions for embezzlement or fraud would be of great concern when hiring a bookkeeper or accountant.
- Notify the applicant, in writing, of your determination and provide them a copy of the Background Check Report.
- Give the applicant the opportunity to correct the information in the Background Check Report or for them to offer information to mitigate the report’s findings.
- Determine whether any additional information you receive from the applicant will reverse your initial decision to exclude the applicant from hire or promotion.
- Notify the applicant of your final determination.
You will find more information on safe hiring in "Tips to Help Your Business Fly Under the EEOC Radar".
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