Are background checks really necessary? Absolutely!
I advise my clients to use background checks when selecting finalists for top positions. The costs of background checks vary, but the $200 – which is the amount that I typically pay for an extensive check – is worth every penny.
Even with interviews, it is very difficult to determine if people are a good fit for organizations or qualified for the positions. Trust me! I have interviewed people who could have earned Academy Awards for their performances during interviews. However, when hired for the positions, they did not produce quality work. You need to take the interviews to another level – reference checks. And you need to take the reference checks to an even higher level – background checks.
I continue to be amazed by the things people lie about. I know of a situation where a person lied about his educational level. He said he had a bachelor’s degree. The background check revealed that his “phantom” alma mater had no record of him graduating from the school. Another person I know of lied about having a bachelor’s degree. When she finally did earn one, almost 10 years later, she had to explain to her long-time employer why her initial employment application listed an earned bachelor’s degree. Did your mother tell you the same thing that mine did? If you tell one lie, you have to tell 10 others to cover the first one.
When you issue your news release about your newly hired executive, you want the headline to say this: Organization X hires as its CEO an international expert known for her transformational leadership style and magic touch. Without a background check, the headline in six months may be this: Organization X’s CEO resigns after anonymous tip reveals she does not have a college degree. Or try this one on for size: Organization X’s CEO resigns after a disgruntled former employee reveals she has a criminal record.
Spend the money today and save yourself drama, heartache and a crisis tomorrow!
What has been your experience with background checks?
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