Survey Findings 

Background Checking – Reference, Credit and Criminal

Why do employers conduct background checks, what type of job candidates do employers investigate, what information in a job candidate’s consumer report could have adverse effect on the decision to hire?

In November 2009, SHRM conducted a comprehensive survey that looked at background checking on job candidates. The survey explored the primary reasons organizations conduct background checks, the categories of job candidates organizations conduct background checks on and other related topics.

The research is divided into the following sections:

• Conducting Reference Background Checks
• Providing References
• Conducting Credit Background Checks
• Conducting Criminal Background Checks
• General Background Checks
• Post-Hire Background Checks
• Drug Testing

 55% of companies conduct pre-employment drug testing on all job candidates. Background Checking: Drug Testing (SHRM, 2010)

 The two characteristics most likely to make a job candidate stand out positively during the job interview process are skills that are directly applicable to the job, 56%, and a “good fit” with other team members and/or the organization, 42%. Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts for Job Seekers SHRM Poll (2009)

 A majority of companies, 90%, agree that online degrees are viewed more favorably today than five years ago. Credibility of Online Degrees SHRM Poll (2009)

 32% of companies say that the biggest threat to the retirement savings of employees at their organization is that employees are not saving enough. The U.S. Recession and Its Impact on Employee Retirement  SHRM Poll (2009)

 Hiring of undergraduates dipped slightly in 2009 compared with previous years. The Hiring of 2009 Graduates During the Economic Downturn SHRM Poll (2009)

EARN UP TO 21 PHR AND SPHR RECERTIFICATION CREDITS.
By incorporating data from SHRM survey reports in your work setting or job responsibilities, you may earn up to 20 credits toward your HRCI recertification, and an additional credit for participating in SHRM surveys.

Click here to find out more information on how to use SHRM Surveys to fulfill the On-the-Job Experience recertification credits.