How Is a Background Check Different from Checking References?

When you check references, you are looking into the person´s character -- asking past employers about the person´s work skills and ability to show up on time and perform. Generally, reference checks rely on references supplied by the candidate, not necessarily a representative sample.

A background check delves further into a prospective employee´s past using independently selected sources. Background checks can verify past employment, as well as ferret out educational and criminal records. Background checks can also search driving records and financial information such as credit reports, if that kind of information is pertinent to the prospective employee´s position with your company. Background checks are usually handled by human resources professionals or commercial services, not by hiring managers.