Pre-employment screening is an important part of recruitment at most organisations. Employers typically perform these screenings as part of the interview process to ensure they make the best possible hiring decision. In essence, it’s a way for potential employers to get a thorough understanding of an applicant’s background.
If you’re not sure what it entails and how to prepare for it, here’s a look at what you need to know:
What is pre-employment screening?
Many people simply refer to it as a background check. These checks are verifications of the information candidates provide to potential employers and also reveals their background. Most employers use these processes to determine if you’ll be able to handle sensitive and confidential information while ensuring you have the right skills for the job.
Depending on the role you’re applying for, potential employers can one or more of the following checks:
Criminal record screen – These screens check records for any criminal offenses that an applicant might have against his or her name. In most cases, the recruiter will ask for a copy of your fingerprints so they can be used to run the search.
Public record screen – Can include records of vehicles, driving history, credit history, worker’s compensation records, civil records, and sometimes even medical records.
Verification screen – This is used to verify the accuracy of the educational details you provided on your resume. It can also be used to verify previous employment, licenses and professional certifications, and any professional references.
Polygraph tests – If you’re applying for a role with a security services company or an organisation that manufactures or distributes controlled substances, you might be subject to a lie detector test.
Pre-employment assessment – Your potential employer might require you to take a pre-employment test to ensure your abilities relate to the role you’re applying for.
Preparing for pre-employment screening
Here’s how to best prepare yourself for the process:
#1 – Check your own background
If you order a background check report on yourself, it’ll give you a good indication of what potential employers will observe on your records. It’ll also give you the opportunity to report any inaccurate information that you might find.
#2 – Give your references a heads up
If you add professional references to your resume, it’s only natural that potential employers might want to get in touch with them. Inform your referees that they can expect a call or email. This way, they can prepare for a conversation in which they can accurately verify your work history.
#3 – Review your socials
Recruiters tend to review social media accounts of applicants during the hiring process. Since you don’t want your socials painting the wrong picture of you, it’s important to review your accounts and change privacy settings if there are things you’d like to keep private.
Preparing for pre-employment assessments
We’ve already touched on the subject of pre-employment assessments. Many hiring managers use them to ensure candidates are the right fit for the specific role as well as the general company goals. These tests are usually objective and standardized. They serve as a great way to learn more about how a candidate will perform in the workplace.
Here are some of the most common tests you can expect to encounter during the recruitment process:
Personality tests
These identify personality traits so your employer can determine if you’ll fit the workplace culture. Some traits are also indicative of performance abilities for specific roles. The most common test in this niche is the Meyers Briggs Personality Indicator test.
Aptitude test
Aptitude tests measure a variety of cognitive abilities. However, the most common marker for these kinds of tests is assessing critical thinking. The majority of tests also place emphasis on the individual’s ability to learn and apply new information.
Emotional intelligence tests
These tests indicate how easily people are able to form relationships and understand emotions. These abilities are critical in a variety of positions, so employers tend to pay attention to these results.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know a little more about pre-employment screening and the kind of tests out there, you have all the tools you need to best prepare yourself for the job interview! No interview lined up yet? Go ahead and search for your dream job on Adzuna’s listings today!