Use Background Checks With Caution

Background checks, which have long been standard in the employment process, should be used with caution.

Problems often occur when employers don’t make it clear to applicants that a background check will be conducted and that information obtained could affect their hiring decision. Even web searches that show an applicant’s publicly-available information on social media could land an employer in legal trouble if proper steps are not taken.

Employers should be prepared to show how information obtained in a background check is relevant to the position or to the company. Review your hiring practices to ensure they are compliant.

— Steve Bernstein, Fisher Phillips