5 Things You Can Do To Research A Job Candidate

By Author: Adrielle Even
Total Articles: 5
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If you’re in the process of hiring for a position in your company, then you’re most likely trying to figure out how to find the right person for the job. You want to find someone that’s not only great for the position but will also be with your company for the long haul. Following are five things you can do to research and pre-screen job candidates—before you hire them.

1. Telephone screening tests
Screening a job candidate on the phone helps you to determine his or her experience, qualifications, salary desires, and workplace preferences—which can help you figure out if this candidate will be a good fit for your company. Some questions that you could ask during a phone screening test include:
• What’s the minimum salary you’d consider?
• Are you willing to take part in a background check, drug test, etc.?
• Why and when did you leave your most recent position?

2. Background checks
Background checks are perhaps the most popular way to pre-screen job candidates. Common background checks include ...
... verification of prior employment, verification of academic credentials, discussions with references, an Internet search of the job candidate, criminal background checks, etc.

3. Credit reports
Credit reports include the payment history of the job candidate as well as other credit-related factors such as tax liens or bankruptcies. These reports can also help you to verify the candidate’s previous employers and/or addresses as well as other pertinent information regarding the job candidate.

4. Drug tests
This is another very common test that employers give to potential employees. This test helps to protect your workplace from the potentially negative effects of illegal drugs such as cocaine or marijuana. Additionally, conducting drug testing also discourages alcohol and drug abusers from joining your workplace.

5. Integrity tests
This type of test looks into how trustworthy or honest a job candidate is. Some of the questions included on this test are:
• Do you think it’s “stealing” to take small office supplies home with you from work?
• How often during the workweek do you go to parties or get-togethers?
• How prompt are you?
• Do you feel remorseful or guilty when you do something you shouldn’t do?

These are just five ways that you can pre-screen your potential employees to ensure that you’re getting the right person for the job. What other ways can you think of to research and screen job candidates?