If you have changed job during the past decade, then you probably encountered having to agree to a background check. It is now considered a standard hiring practice for employers to run background checks on potential candidates, but have you considered running a background check on your employer?
Running a simple background check is easy, quick, and cost-effective. There are dozens of background check sites like checkpeople.com, where you can run a check based on the business name or the personal name of the employer. You absolutely have the right to run such a background check, and best of all, the employer never as to know.
Benefits of Running a Background Check on an Employer
There are numerous reasons why you might want to run a background check on a potential or current employer. Some of those reasons include:
- Preparing for an interview—The more information you have about a company, the more prepared you will be to ace the interview. You may choose to run a background report on the business itself. If you know who will be conducting the interview, you may choose to do a background check on them instead. The information in a background check can paint a picture that gives you an edge in finding common ground during the interview.
- When deciding whether to accept a job offer—You nailed the interview, and they made an offer. The job sounds enticing, but something still feels a bit off, and you are not sure why. A job offer is a big commitment, so before accepting an offer, run a background check on the company or individual for which you will be working. If the business is on the verge of bankruptcy, involved in litigation, or has a history of mistreating employees, you want to know before you accept the offer. Other things to consider before accepting the offer
- Does the person you will be working for have a criminal history? A ten-year-old DUI might not make a difference to you, but a history of violence would be a red flag. If the person has been charged with embezzlement or fraud, do you want to tie your career to theirs?
- Has the company been selling off assets, or otherwise downsizing? If so, it could mean they are contemplating shutting the doors. Investing in a job with a short shelf-life is probably not what you are looking for in a career move.
- When you are concerned about the company you currently work for—You might consider running a background check on the company where you currently work. Maybe you are concerned that things seem to be headed downhill and want to know if you should be looking for a new job, or you have heard rumors that the company is facing insolvency. A background check can help you determine if your job is secure or if you should be polishing your resume quickly.
- If you are considering litigation against your current or previous employer—Perhaps you experienced sexual harassment or felt that you were discriminated against and are considering pursuing a case against the company. Running a background check will give you valuable information, such as whether there have been other claims similar to yours made against the company. You will also have a clearer picture of the assets of the company and how they have handled prior litigation.
The potential claim against the company might be for wrongful termination, and knowing the litigation history is crucial to establishing a pattern of behavior. Were you terminated because of downsizing and then found that you were the only person fired? You then discover that they hired someone else to take your place. A background check into the company could reveal other shady practices that would strengthen your case.
- You are up for a promotion—You know you are up for a hard-earned promotion, but you want information about the company that can help ensure you get the job. A background check can help you identify strengths and weaknesses in the company, and help you identify problems you can help the company solve.
Whatever the reason, you can do a background check on your employer any time you want without fear of reprisal. Employers use background checks to make sure they are hiring employees who are the best fit for the company and to ensure the safety of other employees. As an employee, you should do a background check on your employer for the same reasons.
