Small Business Glossary and Definitions

Background Screening or Background Checks are investigations of potential employees, usually conducted before a job offer is made. They can be expensive, depending upon what information is sought, which can include employment history, criminal history and credit history.

They often are used for positions that require a high degree security or a position of trust, such as those in government, airports, financial institutions, hospitals, courthouses and schools. They also are used in fields with special security concerns, including trucking, airports and ports of entry. People pursuing positions working with children, the disabled or the elderly also are subjected to background checks.

Checks are also required for those working in positions with special security concerns, such as trucking, ports of entry, and airports (including airline transportation). Other laws exist to prevent those who do not pass a criminal check from working in careers involving the elderly, disabled, or children.

In addition to being used to judge the employee’s potential safety and security risks, they also can be used to determine the best of several candidates for a position.