Background Checks: How to Legally Use Criminal Records, Social Media Searches, and More

Background Checks Webinar Recording

In April 2012, the EEOC issued guidance on using arrest and conviction records in hiring. The guidance came months after Pepsi agreed to pay more than $3 million to settle claims after unlawfully using criminal background checks to discriminate against black job applicants.

The EEOC also filed a complaint against Freeman Companies, a Dallas-based corporate event-planning company, claiming that the employer’s use of credit histories and criminal background checks discriminated against black, Hispanic, and male job applicants.

So where do these lawsuits leave you? Should you conduct background checks?

Background checks can be a great resource. They’re an opportunity for you learn more about potential employees and to investigate whether applicants have lied, stolen, or otherwise engaged in unacceptable behavior that may affect your hiring decisions.

There are many tools that allow you to conduct thorough background checks on your job applicants, but it’s crucial to understand the legal parameters so you don’t find yourself at risk for costly discrimination and failure-to-hire bias claims. Participate in this interactive webinar, and you’ll learn how to conduct smart background checks to help ensure good, safe hires. 

In addition, you’ll learn:

• How to tell if running an applicant or employee’s credit could leave you vulnerable to federal claims
• Best practices for complying with the EEOC’s recently issued guidance on using criminal records as part of your background checks
• Tips for legally conducting Internet searches on potential hires, and the limitations placed on your organization concerning information gleaned from social-networking sites
• How to use public records as a tool for conducting background checks and what you should be looking for
• Background check practices every employer should use to diminish the risk of negligent hiring claims
• And more

In just 90 minutes, you'll understand the legal dos and don'ts for conducting background checks on employees and job applicants. Register now for this informative event for HR professionals.

This webinar will be recorded on Thursday, September 13, 2012

Background Checks: How to Legally Use Criminal Records, Social Media Searches, and More

About Your Speaker:

Jared Callahan is a licensed Private Investigator and Director of Client Services for Employment Screening Resources in Novato, California. Mr. Callahan works with employers to conduct background checks and screenings, and teaches them about legal compliance efforts across all 50 states. He began his career in employment screening in 1996 with a private investigative firm and has worked as an investigator in the special investigations unit of a large workers’ compensation insurance company.