A private investigator can run a background check on a company or an individual. The purpose of a background check is to gather information about a person. Some of this information can include, any criminal records and financial or commercial status. A company or individual can request a background check from a private investigator for many reasons. These reasons include:
Pre-Employment Screening: Before a company will hire an employee, they will often request a background check. This is to make sure that the potential employee is a good fit for the job and doesn’t have a history of poor work habits or worse.
Tenant Screening: Most landlords or superintendents want to make sure that the person renting their property has a history of making on-time payments.
Volunteer Screening: Volunteer organizations want to ensure that the people who work for them don’t have a bad history. For example, if the volunteer organization works directly with children, a volunteer with a criminal record is likely not a good fit.
Security Clearance Screening: For organizations like the government, an individual must go through security clearance screening. These individuals will have access to private and important information. It is in the government’s best interest to make sure that they have a clean background.
Leave Background Checks to the Experts
It might be tempting to try to run a background check on someone you want to hire on your own. It might also be tempting to ask your Human Resources (HR) department to start conducting background checks for you. The truth is you really should leave this type of work to the experts. Think about hiring a private investigator instead.
While its true that some information is available to the public, most people really don’t know where to look. It’s not their fault. They simply don’t have the right training. A licensed private investigator is trained in many different areas including,
- Surveillance
- Interviews
- Research
- Technology
As you can imagine, running a background check on a company compared to an individual is very different. A private investigator, they can do it all.
The Different Levels of Background Checks
A private investigator can run a wide range of levels of background checks. In some cases, they do not need to look very deep into a person’s past. In others, they need to check a variety of sources and dig much deeper.
Above, we listed several different reasons why a private investigator might conduct a background check on an individual. Based on each situation, and what the company or client is looking for, a private investigator will also look into different things.
For example, a company might want to hire an administrative assistant who will help to answer phones and schedule meetings. They might only request three references and proof of previous employment. If however, the company wants to hire a new President or Chief Financial Officer, that individual will require a bit more security clearance. In this case, the company will likely want a much more in-depth and complete background check.
Again, a private investigator is the expert in finding the right information quickly and without notice. They will know what to look for and when, based on the information you provide, including:
Financial Status
Have you ever wanted to open a new line of credit? Maybe you’ve moved to a different country and want to apply for a new credit card. Before the bank or financial institution approves your request, they will run a light credit check. This light credit check will reveal how good you are at paying your bills on time. If your credit is good, this won’t affect you at all.
This type of background check requires a private investigator to look into a company or individual’s finances. Many financial institutions or investors will want to know if you owe money. If you have some serious debts or poor payment history, you likely won’t get that loan.
Driving Records
Some jobs require the employee to drive a vehicle. Truck drivers are a great example of this. Their primary job is to deliver goods from one city to another—all while driving. In order to drive a vehicle on the job, the company needs to make sure that their employee has a valid driver’s license. They also need to make sure that the driver has a clean driving record. Without one, their product and delivery schedules could get compromised.
Reference & Employment Verification
It is incredible how many people will fib about the work they’ve accomplished. While most people tend to simply inflate their resume, some take it a step further. They completely lie about their title, the projects they worked on, and even where they’ve worked.
It is in a company’s best interest to ask potential employees for references. At the very least, HR can make a few phone calls. This, however, isn’t always foolproof. Some potential employees simply ask their friends or family to pose as an employer.
A private investigator can complete a more thorough background check to know for sure. Not only can they call references, but they can also verify that the potential employee worked for the company.
Criminal Records
Many companies will not hire an individual if they have a criminal record. This, of course, depends on the crime, but in many cases, it can prevent the potential employee from landing the job. In some cases, a light background check will not reveal a criminal record. A private investigator can quickly uncover this information because they know where to look.
Background Check Today to Save Time Tomorrow
Let’s say that your parent is dating someone new. There’s something a little off about their new love interest, something you can’t quite put your finger on. So, you do a little search on the Internet. You find nothing, but you still can’t help but wonder.
While this example doesn’t pertain to a company, it explains exactly why hiring a private investigator is a great idea. You don’t have the resources at hand to really look into a person’s background. A private investigator can look deeper, and at specific areas of a person’s life to get you the information you need. Why risk hiring someone who might do your company harm? Why watch your parent fall in love with someone who might turn around and steal his or her life savings?
Don’t take the risk when there’s help available. Reach out to a private investigator today; you won’t regret it.
About the Author
Whitney Joy Smith
Founder of The Smith Investigation Agency in 2014, Whitney Joy Smith’s extensive background as a private investigator is matched only by her passion for the role. A graduate of several respected institutions, including Northwest Florida State College and George Brown College, her early years in life were spent between Canada and the United States. This education, along with her formative years as a private investigator in various agencies, informed much of her knowledge of private investigative laws, regulations, and operating standards in both countries.
The recipient of numerous industry awards and accolades, including the Consumers Choice Award, Best in Ottawa, and many others, Whitney takes pride in working closely with her ever-growing agency to raise the bar, maintain compliance, and meet the investigative needs of clients. Whitney is active in various membership and supporting roles, including the CPIRC, CBN, CAPI, Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and many others. Her experience-driven, thought-provoking articles have been featured in everything from Readers Digest to Business News Daily, and she strives to continually redefine standards for those in the private investigative and security fields. Learn more about Whitney and the team at The Smith Investigation Agency today.
