Antecedent investigations, pre-employment inquiries, screening or investigation of work history

‘Equifax, a company in Atlanta in the United States of America, carried out an investigation some time ago into one hundred C.V.s. The applicants appeared to have lied considerably because there were not less that 129 inaccuracies in them which could be considered serious or important. The inaccuracies discovered appeared in 69 of the files!’

(Source: The Standard)

The crucial question concerning the recruiting and engaging of new personnel is:

• How do honest employees remain honest?

• How do I keep dishonest people out of the organisation?

The enquiry into the antecedents of a prospective employee is increasingly being seen as important in the business community. Should an employer have this done or not? Will this not be seen by the prospective employee as a lack of trust? Or is it just a question of good management and ensuring the company’s interests?

A tight labour market plays a large role. An employer may feel pressed to take on someone who would not have been chosen if the field had been wider. Filling a vacancy becomes the priority. The employer may find they have admitted a Trojan Horse.

Whether  that person is who they say they are is a question which is asked only after doubts have arisen about the honesty or expertise of the new employee. It may be that a prospective employee not only has dishonesty in their past, but  their work or education history is not what is claimed. One in twenty applicants are guilty of making such faulty claims. The authenticity of references and diplomas should be checked

Of course the interests of the applicant must also be safeguarded during an enquiry, but the obtaining of information about an applicant’s honesty, work history, educational background and, in some situations, their financial situation, is important to the prospective employer who must do everything possible to limit long term risks. . Ultimately, the employer is responsible for the product.

Inform prospective employees that a pre-employment inquiry forms part of the application procedure and obtain their written acceptance.

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