After successfully completing the in-office interview, it’s time to move on to a crucial step in the hiring process: conducting a background investigation. At Emily’s Maids, we believe in the importance of thoroughly vetting each candidate to ensure we’re hiring individuals who are both qualified and trustworthy. This process helps safeguard our business, our clients, and our team.
Here’s a breakdown of how to complete a successful background check in a friendly, comprehensive way.
Essential Documents for the Background Check
Before starting the background investigation, you’ll need to prepare and have the following forms ready:
- Background Check Consent Release Form (filled out during the office interview)
- Employment Reference Questionnaire & Checklist Form
- Personal Reference Questionnaire Form
Ideally, you should obtain at least two previous work references from each candidate. If the applicant doesn’t have two professional references (which could happen if they’re just entering the workforce), you can turn to their personal references using the Personal Reference Questionnaire.
What Does the Background Check Include?
A proper background investigation at Emily’s Maids involves two critical parts:
- Reference Checks
- Criminal Background Check
Let’s dive deeper into these two components.
1. Reference Check: Verifying the Candidate’s History
The first step in the background check is contacting the candidate’s former employers or references to verify their work history and performance.
Here’s how to efficiently conduct a reference check:
- Print out the Employment Reference Questionnaire & Checklist and use it as your guide while speaking with each reference.
- To ensure the accuracy of the information, it’s a good practice to look up the reference company’s phone number online. Cross-check this number with the one provided by the candidate to make sure you’re speaking with an authentic contact.
When talking with references, aim to gather insights on these key points:
- Job Performance: Did the candidate excel in their previous roles? Were they a dependable and productive employee?
- Accuracy: Do the details provided by the references align with what the candidate shared during the interview? This includes aspects such as job responsibilities, employment dates, and reasons for leaving.
- Positive Contributions: Did the candidate leave a positive mark on their previous employers or colleagues? Does their performance reflect the qualities you’re looking for at Emily’s Maids?
A well-conducted reference check not only provides crucial details about the candidate’s work history but also confirms whether they will be a good cultural and professional fit for the team.
2. Criminal Background Check: Maintaining Safety Standards
Ensuring the safety of both clients and employees is a top priority at Emily’s Maids. Performing a thorough criminal background check helps protect our business from potential risks and guarantees that we’re hiring individuals with a clean record.
Here’s how to perform the criminal background check:
Texas Criminal Background Check
For candidates who have worked or lived in Texas, the criminal background check can be performed online at:
Simply input the candidate’s details to receive a full criminal background report for the state.
National Criminal Background Check
For candidates who may have lived or worked outside of Texas, a national background check is necessary. At Emily’s Maids, we use the following service:
- Criminal411 National Background Check
A national check will provide insight into any criminal activity the candidate might have been involved in outside of Texas.
No Felons Policy
At Emily’s Maids, we have a strict policy when it comes to criminal backgrounds. Candidates with felony convictions are not eligible for employment—there are no exceptions to this rule. If a felony is discovered during the background check, the candidate must be disqualified from further consideration.
Why Background Checks Are Crucial
Conducting thorough background checks is not just about following procedure; it’s about ensuring the long-term success of our team. Verifying a candidate’s work history and checking for any criminal activity provides peace of mind, helping us build a trustworthy and dependable workforce.
These checks serve multiple purposes:
- They help validate the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
- They confirm that their character aligns with the values of Emily’s Maids.
- They protect our clients and our reputation as a business that prioritizes safety and reliability.
By investing time in this process, you can avoid potential legal issues and ensure that you’re bringing the right people on board.
Final Thoughts
At Emily’s Maids, we believe in hiring individuals who are not only skilled but also trustworthy and safe to work with. The background investigation is a critical step in this journey, helping us ensure that every new team member meets our high standards.
By carefully checking references and running criminal background checks, you can feel confident in the final hiring decision—knowing that you’ve done everything possible to select the best possible candidate for the job.
Step 5 of Our Hiring Process: Choosing the Right Candidate