Are Employee Background Checks Necessary? Video

Pre-employment background checks are a smart move for your company, ensuring you don't make a bad hire.

This small business video minute explains the importance of employee screening, and describes typical background checks, which include verifying a prospective hire's Social Security Number, education and references. They also usually include criminal background checks. Hiring a reputable firm to perform this task is a sound investment for your small business.

Video Transcript

Welcome to the SurePayroll minute.

I’m Michael Alter.

You’ve probably heard stories about people who lied on their resumes or left off a felony conviction from a job application... and got caught.

These stories make for captivating news, but I’m sure you don’t want that kind of attention when it comes to your business.

To avoid bad hires, small business employers should perform pre-employment background checks on applicants.

Background checks will help you get the best employees and may prevent negligent hiring claims.

They may also reduce the risk of wrongful discharge, discrimination and other claims brought by terminated employees.

A typical background check includes verifying an applicant’s Social Security Number, education and references, as well as checking for a criminal record.

You don’t have to worry about developing the skills of a private investigator... there are professional firms that specialize in performing background checks at a reasonable cost.

And speaking of cost, a background check can cost anywhere from 50 dollars to 200 dollars per applicant.

Use a reputable source and you’ll find the investment well worth it in the long run.

For the simple answer to small business issues, I’m Michael Alter with your SurePayroll Minute.