When applying for a job, businesses and organisations will often carry out several checks depending on the type of role being used for. Pre-employment checks allow firms to screen candidates’ backgrounds and ensure they are a good fit for a position.

Pre-employment checks can come in various guises, so the screening process won’t always be the same. However, the following answers some commonly asked questions regarding pre-employment checks.

1. Employers Cannot View Your Credit Score

Although pre-employment checks include credit screening, employers cannot view a credit score. However, they can view other information, including insolvencies, bankruptcies and CCJs.

Credit checks conducted for pre-employment checks are referred to as ‘soft searches’ and contain less information than conventional credit searches but will still allow companies and organisations to ascertain a sense of your financial background.

2. Pre-Employment Checks Can Vary Depending on The Role

Although it is understandable why many assume all pre-employment checks are the same, the information can vary depending on the position being applied for. Those applying to work with children may also need an Enhanced DBS Check, whereas those using a vehicle will need to require a driving licence check.

3. Permission is Needed for Pre-Employment Checks

Some people fear a business or organisation can carry out a credit check anytime, but this isn’t the case. Before any credit check or DBS Check is requested, companies must seek permission. However, if permission is refused, the business or organisation does have the right to withdraw any employment offers.

Companies and organisations will make applicants aware of the checks required regarding the job application and will carry these out on their behalf.

4. Only a Business is Permitted to Run Some Pre-Employment Checks

Although an individual can carry out some checks, in most instances, only a business or organisation can carry out some pre-employment checks. Individuals can carry out their own credit checks and Basic DBS Check.

However, pre-employment checks that require an Enhanced DBS Check or Barred List can only be carried out by businesses using a corporate account.

Those who are self-employed but require an Enhanced DBS Check or Barred List Check will need to ask an agency or client to carry out a background check on their behalf if one is required.

In instances where only a Basic DBS Disclosure is needed, a self-employed person can request this themselves if they wish.

5. Document Verification Plays a Large Part in Pre-Employment Checks

As there is a lot of online risk for companies, online pre-employment checks will often involve some form of document verification. Online document verification ensures that those applying for a position are genuine and uses biometric checks to ensure authentic documentation.

It would be easy to assume that this takes a long time to complete, but the automated nature of the checks means that document verification can often be carried out in minutes instead of days.