There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to running a background check.

While most Texas employers will agree on the importance of screening potential new hires, people—and industries—may go about things differently. A pre-employment background check will vary based on the size and resources of the organization, along with many other factors.

Yet business owners from San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Corpus Christi will agree that some items are absolutely essential.

What Do Companies Look for in a Background Check?

These are the top five things Texas companies look for in a background check:

1. Criminal record

Most hiring managers complete criminal records checks on the job candidates they’re seriously considering. Some extend offers contingent on the applicant passing the check. Employers can conduct criminal background checks at the county, state, and federal level. It’s important to conduct a Sex Offender Registry search as well, in order to avoid putting your customers and staff at risk. Red flags include violent crimes, embezzlement convictions, DUI, and more.

2. Relevant employment history

Most Texas companies will look into their candidates’ work history. Hiring managers might be hoping to confirm the candidate has a certain level of experience in a particular industry or role. In other cases, they might be determining whether the candidate could bring other skills to the table that could compensate for a lack of experience in another area. Since applicants generally self-report their employment history, verification checks are equally important.

3. Seamless verification check

Verification checks give hiring managers a chance to look for dishonesty. In addition to checking the candidate’s work history, HR professionals might also verify that the applicant attended a specific high school, college, or university during the dates they reported. Some verification checks might also determine whether a person has the degrees, certificates, and licenses they need to work in their field: a teaching license, for example, or a license to practice law.

4. Professional references

References are different from employment verification checks, though each one is tied to the applicant’s career history. While employment verification looks into whether the candidate is being honest about their work experience, professional references consist of actual conversations with a person’s former colleagues and supervisors. References are more focused on the candidate’s work performance, skillset, and character than they are on uncovering discrepancies.

5. Clean driving record

Finally, Texas employers often look for a clean driving record when making their hiring decisions. This is especially relevant for jobs that involve driving or operating heavy machinery. Transportation, construction, and manufacturing jobs are best-suited for candidates who don’t have a history of speeding or reckless driving. A less-than-stellar driving record can cause safety and liability problems that employers will almost certainly want to avoid.

What Can’t Employers Screen For?

Employers cannot check their potential hires’ medical or military records. Criminal records that have been sealed or expunged are off-limits as well. And background check compliance is essential for business owners.

This, of course, is something the right provider can assist with.

Many Texas businesses save time, increase accuracy, and improve the quality of their team by outsourcing their background screening to a trusted partner.

Protect Your Texas Business with Better Background Checks

Employers in Texas cities like San Antonio, Houston, Corpus Christi, and Austin can save money—and safeguard their reputation—by hiring the right, vetted people.

This is where pre-employment screening comes in. At Redstar Backgrounds and DrugScreenKits.com, our team will help you through every step.

No matter what industry you work in, we’ll craft the exact screening solution you need—searching for the same things your competitors look for in a background check.

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