The outlook is overwhelmingly positive. From 2020 to 2030, experts project that employment in our state will grow by 18.3%. That translates to a whopping 2.4 million jobs. And every year, Texas is expected to have about 1.8 million job openings too. This is mainly due to people leaving the workforce, changing occupations, or simply advancing in their field.

It also means that annually, Texas employers will be tasked with screening almost 2 million potential new hires. Take Jana, who is in charge of hiring someone for a healthcare administration role. She came across Beau’s application and thought he’d be a great fit. He interviewed well, had relevant experience at another regional clinic, and seemed like the perfect hire.

Then came the results from Beau’s background check. During Jana’s investigation into Beau’s history, certain “ghosts”—or shadows—emerged. Immediately, Jana started rethinking her hiring decision.

This article will examine what might have happened.

What Do Employment Background Checks Screen for in Texas?

Employment background checks are comprehensive investigations that review an applicant's history. The initial goal is to verify the accuracy of the information the candidate provided on their resume and application.

A secondary goal is to conduct a criminal records search and look at a few other factors.

Specific aspects of pre-employment screening may include:

• Criminal history checks

Naturally, employers worry about any criminal convictions that may pose a risk to the workplace. In Beau’s case, a conviction from a bar brawl came up during this check.

• Employment and education verification checks

Employers understandably want to verify that an applicant has the experience and skills they claim. Most hiring managers will also review the candidate’s education and licensure.

• Reference checks

By checking the candidate’s references, employers can get a strong sense of the person’s character. Reference checks can also confirm the applicant would be a strong cultural fit.

• Drug tests

In many industries, employers will screen potential new staff for drug and alcohol abuse. You can learn more about the benefits of these tests here.

Generally, employers conduct pre-employment background checks to make sure the candidate is trustworthy, qualified, and well-suited to the company.

What if a Ghost from the Applicant’s Past Comes Up During Screening?

Occasionally, background checks reveal unexpected information. Without proper screening, these unfortunate insights—or “ghosts” from an applicant’s past—would simply lurk in the shadows.

What “ghosts” are we talking about, exactly? They could be a surprise criminal record (like with Beau), an unexpected gap in the candidate’s employment, or something else.

When this kind of information surfaces, employers may choose to conduct a thorough review. It’s important that they consider factors like the nature of the offense, its relevance to the position, and the time that has passed since the incident.

Important Considerations Before Taking Adverse Action

If adverse information comes up during a background check, employers are required by law to follow specific procedures outlined in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Applicants have the right to be informed if you deny them employment due to the results of their background check. This will also give them an opportunity to dispute or explain the findings. Employers must provide written notice, a copy of the screening report, and information on the applicant’s rights.

Candidates can take these steps to address adverse action:

• Be honest

If something does come up in a background check, honesty will drive a better outcome. The applicant should provide context for what happened.

• Dispute inaccuracies

It only happens rarely, but sometimes incorrect information will appear in a background check. The applicant has the right to dispute it and provide supporting evidence.

Any information that comes out of the shadows in a background check can be unsettling. As Texas employers strive to build reliable teams, candidates should address any ghosts that may emerge during the screening process. It’s important that both sides take a proactive approach.

A Trusted Screening Partner for Texas Employers

At Redstar Backgrounds and DrugScreenKits.com, our team will help you through every step of the pre-employment screening process. Work with us, and we’ll tailor a background check program to your organization’s exact needs.

We have extensive background screening experience and serve clients throughout Texas and nationwide. Professional communication, fast results, and FCRA compliance are just the beginning.

Please contact us for details, or to set up a free consultation. For more information on our screening services, visit our website or follow us on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.