Red Flags On Social Media

If there’s a photo of you sipping a glass of wine, you probably don’t have to worry about it affecting your job prospects. Social media background checks don’t usually consider consuming alcohol relevant to your potential employer whether you’re sipping a glass of wine or chugging a beer.

While you don’t have to worry about telling the world you drink alcohol, these are the most common red flags companies search for:

• Unlawful activity such as using illegal drugs or drinking underage
• Discriminatory behavior such as racist or sexist comments
• Acts of violence or aggression
• Sexually explicit activity (this includes nudity)
• Negative comments about co-workers and employers

Job seekers should also remember that consumer reporting agencies can uncover damaging content from profiles even if the content was deleted. So even if swearing, bad grammar, and alcohol consumption won’t show up on a report, job seekers would do well to follow these tips and keep damaging content out of their profiles.

Why Don’t Employers Conduct Their Own Social Media Searches?

Social media screening checks don’t just go through all of the information on your Twitter and Facebook accounts. Risk mitigation companies are able to go beyond a Google search to find background information from the deep web such as school databases, archives, blogs, and unlinked content.

Before searching for candidates on social media or conducting a Google Search, employers should understand all of the legislation surrounding background screening checks and social media screening. This is a ton of information because it differs from state to state. Maine, for example, prohibits employers from requesting usernames and passwords to access personal accounts. This is why it’s better to rely on a risk mitigation company such as JDP who guarantees compliance and will help employers avoid lawsuits.

JDP ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws. We also hand check all red flags that arise during a candidate’s background check. If you have any questions about our social media screening services, feel free to contact us!

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Criminal Records

Different countries have different methods for maintaining criminal records. Criminal records could be organized based on numerous factors such as severity of crime. They could also be stored at a local, state or national level. Many places, however, don’t have the same level of transparency that the U.S. does when it comes to public access of criminal records. For example, in Germany the employer can only inquire into the criminal background of an employee if it’s directly related to the work. So, if an employer were hiring someone as a driver they could access their traffic offenses but that’s it.

Drug Testing

In the United Kingdom, employers can request that you conduct a drug test. You don’t have to consent to the drug test. Legally, employees are allowed to refuse the test. And even if you consent to the test and the results are positive, you can challenge the employer if they don’t hire you based on those results. Because of the various regulations among different nations, the International Labor Organization released a set of guidelines for employers to follow when screening their employees. Essentially, the guidelines dictate that both parties should be aware of the policy if the employer wants to drug test and that the consequences should also be made clear to the employee if they fail the test.

International work experience will look great on your resume. It’s also an effective way to acquire worldly experiences while earning money. You can make memories in amazing places while earning money and valuable job experience at the same time.

The post What You Need To Know About Background Checks Before Working Abroad appeared first on JDP.

1. The law requires it.

In some situations, a background check may be required not just for employees at your organization, but also for your volunteers. If you work with children or the elderly, your state could require you to perform background screening checksbefore accepting your volunteers.

2. It builds trust inside your organization.

Just like in an office, background screening checks in a volunteer-based organization help build trust. By providing a mechanism to guarantee safety and encourage honesty, you’ll ensure that your volunteer groups trust each other and your organization.

3. You can screen for job-related shortcomings.

If you plan to have a volunteer drive a van or handle money, for example, you can use a background check to ensure that they’re qualified. A person who has a history of traffic violations may not be the best choice to drive, while a person who has theft-related charges on their background check might not be a good person to handle money. When you’re giving volunteers specific jobs, a background check can help you find patterns of negative behavior that may be related to these jobs.

4. You’ll ensure quality volunteers.

In some cases, you may wish to verify that your volunteer has the experience they may claim on an application or in an interview. For example, if you’re seeking out volunteer SAT tutors that have graduated from college, you may wish to screen to ensure that this is legitimate. While most volunteers are honest, you can help protect your organization’s image by double checking the information you’re given.

Of course, how you choose to vet your volunteers is up to you. We recommend looking for patterns, just as you would during the hiring process. In many cases, a single incident that occurred years ago may be in the past. However, a pattern of “bad behavior” may affect your volunteer’s behavior at your organization. Much like hiring an employee, you’ll want to take a look at problems that affect what the volunteer will be doing with your organization.

Do you screen your volunteers? Contact us to discuss how background checks could be a good fit for your volunteer organization!

The post 4 Reasons to Vet Your Volunteers With Background Screening Checks appeared first on JDP.

What happens in a drug screening?

There are many different types of drug screening procedures that you may wish to pursue when you’re implementing a testing policy. Conventional drug testing methods include blood tests, urinalysis, saliva tests and breath alcohol tests. Some of these methods are instant, which can help speed up the testing process. These screening methods have varying levels of effectiveness, and may report false positives. This is why many employers who implement drug testing use a “split sample” method, where two samples are taken at the same time and tested separately, to ensure accuracy.

What is pre-employment drug screening?

Screening job candidates for drug use prior to employment is a common practice. Not only does this ensure that you’re hiring drug-free employees, it can also help your workplace stay drug-free. Some companies have policies in place that allow them to rescind a conditional job offer if the candidate tests positive for drugs. Depending on your state’s laws as well as the job position, you may need to implement a specific policy.

How can I develop a drug screening employment process?

Some employers may wish to continue testing employees at random to ensure that the workplace stays drug free. However, it’s important to have processes and policies in place before beginning any drug testing program. You should ensure that information about the process is included in your employee handbook, and that your drug testing policies are posted. Even if it’s not required by law in your state, it’s good practice to ensure that your employees are familiar with your procedures.

Staying compliant with drug testing laws in your state

Of course, every state has its own laws regarding drug testing. For example, while most states do allow pre-employment drug screening, some states require that you may only test employees who have been conditionally offered a job. It is to your benefit to learn more about drug testing laws and policies in your state.

Benefits of a screening drug test

If you’ve decided to pursue drug screening in your workplace, it may be beneficial to all employees. Drug users may put other employees at risk, particularly in certain industries. It can benefit your company to stay drug-free – and part of that process may be putting a drug screening policy in place. Contact us to discuss drug screening services!

The post What is Drug Screening and How Can I Stay Compliant? appeared first on JDP.