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Background Checks

Obtain applicant’s approval before calling previous boss

09/01/2004

Q. I’d like to contact an applicant’s former employer, but that employer wasn’t included in the applicant’s reference list. Can I call the employer anyway? —A.T., Wyoming

Look beneath résumé cliches for the truth

09/01/2004
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Tap federal program to gain ‘insurance’ on risky hires

09/01/2004
Issue: You face risks when hiring ex-cons, recovering addicts and other “second-chance” applicants. Benefit: A little-known federal program makes it easier …

Warn managers never to disclose medical info about former workers

08/01/2004
When checking applicants’ references, some employers like to do an “end run” around the HR department. They’ll call the applicant’s former supervisor directly to find out the dirt on the person. …

Extract golden nuggets from reluctant references

07/01/2004
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Hiring drivers? Collect more background information

06/01/2004
Organizations that hire commercial drivers must now collect, and provide to other employers, more details from their driver applicants.
Reason: The U.S. Transportation Department’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) …

Hire drivers? Start collecting more background info

06/01/2004
The U.S. Transportation Department has unveiled new rules that require employers to more closely review applicants’ professional driving safety records and drug-testing history. The rules also require you to make that …

Verifying education claims? Don’t just call the school

05/01/2004
Issue: Applicants are taking résumé fraud to a new high-tech level.
Risk: Hackers could alter an applicant’s school records, undermining your background check …

Don’t rely on ‘self-service’ background checks

04/01/2004
If job candidates approach you with a written report attesting to the validity of their résumés, don’t stop your background check there. Probe deeper with your own, independent check. New …

Don’t count on total immunity from references

04/01/2004

Q. I have a question about providing honest feedback during reference requests. Is it better to defend the fact that I provided a truthful (negative) assessment, rather than trying to explain why I can’t give any reference at all? Aren’t we protected by negligent referral and reference immunity laws? —M.R., Utah