When Judy Krezmer put together her program titled “Background Checks and Security Clearances” for the Pennsylvania College of Technology, she zeroed in on important advice for job seekers.
The current emphasis on security and liability has made employers a lot more cautious about who they hire. No matter what job you apply for, you are likely to go through some kind of check — criminal, background or credit.
Krezmer, operations and marketing manager for DePasquale Staffing Services in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, had two key pieces of advice for job seekers. She told them to expect a background check when they apply for a job. And, she told them to keep their noses and records clean.
More and more businesses are conducting background checks on the people they consider hiring. But it’s not common practice yet so you’ll probably have job seekers showing up with questions about what you do and why you do it. It pays to have answers ready.
Tell job seekers that the background checks are for everyone’s protection. They’re a key step toward assuring a safe workplace. They help you, the employer, hire people that other staff members will feel comfortable with as colleagues.
Make sure you have answers to the questions you’ll get about your process, too. Be able to describe the checks you perform. Know what your applicants’ rights are so that you can explain them.