Employee background checks are important

Being a small business owner can be a difficult job. The owner is accountable for a multitude of duties to ensure that all runs smoothly. Business crime is often seen as victimless because of the perception that most businesses are profitable and insured.

Conducting a background check can help prevent hiring the wrong person. Background checks may seem like a waste of time and money, but it only takes one wrong decision in hiring to ruin a small business.

There are four easy steps that employers can take immediately to protect themselves, their employees and the public from a bad hire.

•Have each job applicant sign a consent form for a background check, including a check for criminal records, past employment and education. Announcing the background check policy may discourage those applicants that have something to hide. The form should declare that all false statements are grounds for rejection or immediate termination.

•Ask the applicant if they have any criminal convictions or pending cases and require them to respond to the question in writing.

•Verify the applicant's previous employment. Inquire into any unexplained gaps in employment where the applicant cannot explain their whereabouts. Many employers do not bother to call previous employers since the past employer cannot comment on the employee's job performance. But not calling is one of the biggest and costliest mistakes an employer can make. It can be critically important to at least verify employment dates and job title.

•A professional background service can provide a criminal check for a small fee. Check the local telephone book or Internet for a service.

The failure to investigate properly could cause severe consequences to a business.

For more information about safe hiring practices, call the Simi Valley Crime Prevention Unit at (805) 583-6276.