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Reference Checks

EVERY CANDIDATE SHOULD SIGN A RELEASE

Regardless of the job to be filled, whether it’s for a new CEO or an assembler, every candidate for employment should be required to sign a release allowing the prospective employer, or its agents, to conduct a background and reference check.  Here is the language that we recommend should be used in the release that every candidate signs:

“In connection with my application for employment with ___________________________ , I understand that a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report, as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), may be obtained from BARADA ASSOCIATES, INC., its agents or employees; and I authorize all corporations, employers, coworkers, references, credit reporting agencies, educational institutions, licensing bodies, courts, law enforcement agencies, governmental agencies or departments, and military services to provide information about my background, including but not limited to driving records, court records, workers’ compensation records, credit report, academic records, professional license record, and employment-related information or records. I agree to release the aforesaid from any liability for collecting that information.

 I understand that an investigative consumer report is a special type of consumer report that is obtained through interviews and may contain information about my character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and/or mode of living. Upon my written request within a reasonable period of time, a complete disclosure of the nature and scope of that investigation will be made to me in writing within five days of the date on which the request was received.

 I further authorize ________________________, if I am hired, to request a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report about me for employment-related purposes, at any time during the course of my employment to the extent allowed by law. I agree that this Disclosure and Release will be valid, now or in the future, in original, faxed, copied or electronic form.

I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the ‘Summary of Your Rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.’

 I understand that my date of birth will be used solely for identification purposes.”

By having every applicant sign a document that contains language very similar to this, there can be no question on the part of the applicant about having granted permission to the prospective employer to run a background or reference check.  More importantly, if the candidate is all he/she claims to be and can do all he/she claims to be able to do, why would the candidate be reluctant to sign a similar document?

Regardless of the position, if the job seeker has been honest on his or her resume and job application, his/her reaction should be, “Heck, check whatever you want!”