The importance of background screenings for job applicants

One of the most important issues for employers around the country today is background screenings for new employees. When trying to find out information about a new hire, it is vital to learn as much as possible in order to keep not only customers, but also other employees, in good hands. According to experts, if someone with a unsavory past is hired and a problem occurs, it will be the fault of the employer for not thoroughly looking into the applicant's history. However, in some cities employers have been forbidden from asking specific questions about a person's criminal history. "Some states are enacting 'ban the box' laws for questions about criminal records of job applicants on employment applications," Employment Screening Resources reports. "For example, an overhaul of the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) that took effect November 4, 2010 means employers in Massachusetts can no longer be able to ask about convictions on 'initial' job applications because of new legislation that prohibits employers from asking questions on initial written job applications about criminal offender record information, which includes criminal charges, arrests, and incarceration." Background screening has been in the news recently when it comes to school employees. A new bill in the U.S. House of Representatives would prevent public schools from hiring anyone convicted of violent crimes, including rape, crimes against children and sexual assault.