Over 90% of companies perform some type of background checks of applicants for their work. Pre-employment screening can be costly and time consuming, but most companies consider it an essential part of the recruitment process.

Here are five reasons why a company will take a good look at you before making a hiring decision:

1. Fraud - It is estimated that more than half of all job seekers are in their resumes and job applications each year. Education tops the list with more than half a million people in the U.S. falsely claiming to have a university degree. Many people improve their positions, extend the dates to cover employment gaps even invent employers. By implementing a complete background check, a company can quickly verify whether an applicant is telling the truth.


2. Criminal Activity - No company wants to hire an individual to fight crime in the workplace. About two million Americans are victims of workplace violence each year. Many companies use face theft, embezzlement and drug use by employees on a regular basis. In addition, the terrorist attacks of 9 / 11 have caused many employers to take a closer look at their contracts.

A complete background check usually a company know if an applicant has a criminal record. Not all people with criminal records are the recruitment of the risks, but pre-employment allows the employer to make an informed decision about hiring.

3. Negligent Hiring Lawsuits - A company responsible for the actions of employees is whether or not to conduct a background check before hiring someone. Negligent hiring lawsuits are one of the fastest growing areas of litigation. Industry experts say that employers lose nearly 80% of these cases.

Trying to protect billionaires and huge jury verdicts legal costs, companies are now very cautious about who hire them. They know that a bad hiring decision can drastically affect a company's finances and reputation.

4. Recruitment costs - Search for qualified candidates to work costs time and money. Managers who are looking for new employees must spend valuable time developing and placing ads, sorting through resumes and interviewing applicants. After a long recruitment process, a company wants to make sure you select the right applicant. Do not want to repeat the process again and again.

5. Federal and state laws - background checks are required for many state and federal jobs. For example, most states must conduct a criminal background check of anyone who works with the elderly, disabled or children. Many jobs require a broad federal investigation for trying to obtain a security clearance.

Whatever the reason, chances are excellent that a recruitment company will have to look into his past. The best thing to do is be prepared when it happens.