For most companies, employees are their most precious and valuable resource. Finding and connecting with the best workers available in the talent pool is an ongoing concern. Hiring managers should keep an eye out for these 6 background screening red flags to avoid poor hiring decisions and problem employees.
Here are some of the most telling background screening red flags to look for when screening potential new hires:
1. Erratic Work History
Gaps and inconsistencies in work history is often a major background screening red flag and should not be taken lightly. Past behavior is usually a predictor of future behavior. As an employer it is important to pay attention to the entries on applicant resumes. Multiple career changes and being fired from one or more jobs may be items of concern.
2. Lack of Eye Contact, Poor Body Language During the Interview
Not engaging or being evasive during the interview can display some background screening red flags and indicate confidence problems or dishonesty. Both issues can make for a problematic employee that drains resources and lowers company morale. Rambling during the interview questions, arriving unprepared, using slang, being too boastful about past accomplishments and having an unkempt appearance are also interview red flags.
3. Gossiping Or Speaking Negatively of Former Employers
Making disparaging remarks about former employers may raise some background screening red flags and is a potential sign that the candidate lacks respect and loyalty to those who have given them opportunities in the past. While in some cases their assessment may be valid, it is unprofessional to “vent” about former bosses or colleagues during the interview or employment screening process.
4. Making Demands
If an applicant attempts to add conditions to their employment right out of the gate, this is a definite background screening red flag. As a new hire, they are subject to the terms set by the employer and should understand that they must prove themselves before additional benefits are added.
5. Giving Clipped Answers and Not Asking Questions
At the other end of the spectrum are employees who give short answers to interview questions and don’t share much of themselves. This could indicate deception. Those who do not have questions during or at the end of the interview are likely not very engaged with the company and may not be ideal choices as staff members. Not asking questions can indicate a lack of ambition or lack of understanding of their potential role in the company.
6. Background Check Problems
Checking into an applicant’s background and avoiding background screening red flags involves verifying resume items, talking with employers and listed references, and conducting a pre-employment background search and other background checks. While some of these items can be addressed in-house, employers should strongly consider using a professional employment screening service to take care of criminal and financial background screening. This will help to ensure this screening is conducted thoroughly and in compliance with state and national laws.
The recruiting, interviewing, screening and onboarding process is crucial to the success of all businesses with employees. Hiring managers should keep an eye out for these six background screening red flags to avoid poor hiring decisions and problem employees down the road.
Source: https://hiring.monster.com/hr/hr-best-practices/small-business/conducting-an-interview/employer-interviewing-skills.aspx
Disclaimer Statement: All information presented is never intended as legal advice and is for information purposes only.
