Background Checking—The Use of Criminal Background Checks in Hiring Decisions
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Approximately two-thirds (69%) of organizations reported that they conduct criminal background checks on all of their job candidates. Roughly one-half of organizations conduct criminal background checks to reduce legal liability for negligent hiring (52%) and to ensure a safe work environment for employees (49%). The top two convictions that are very influential in the decision not to extend a job offer are violent felonies (96%) and nonviolent felonies (74%). However, about three-fifths (58%) of organizations allow job candidates to explain the results of their criminal checks before the decision to hire or not to hire is made.
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Members may download one copy of our sample forms and templates for your personal use within your organization. Please note that all such forms and policies should be reviewed by your legal counsel for compliance with applicable law, and should be modified to suit your organization’s culture, industry, and practices. Neither members nor non-members may reproduce such samples in any other way (e.g., to republish in a book or use for a commercial purpose) without SHRM’s permission. To request permission for specific items, click on the “reuse permissions” button on the page where you find the item.
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