A proper comprehensive, in-depth background check helps build a solid workforce for companies. This also helps keep the work culture healthy and increases productivity. While many things are open to subjective perception, many things are major red flags in all situations. What comes under red flags can also vary between companies and job roles, but there are some common red flags you can not ignore. 

According to the Career Builder survey and PR Newswire reports, they mentioned that more than 58% of HR has caught lies on people’s resumes. If you ignore the obvious red flags in background checks, you can fall prey to these lies. Some of them can be white lies. But if they are major lies, then they stand a chance of harming your company in the long run. Know all the red flags in and out and learn why they matter. 

Top 8 causes of red flags on a background check

Here is a list of some top red flags you need to watch out for. These can heavily impact a candidate’s qualifications for a job. So as an employer, keep them in mind to hire the best resources for your company. 

1. Multiple periods of unemployment

Breaks in a person’s career are nothing unnatural. But if your employee does not show that on their resume but it shows up as multiple periods of unemployment, then that is a major red flag. If they habitually like to stay unemployed and can not hold on to jobs, then they might be undependable for any work. Though never be quick to judge, it is better to verify with previous employers after you find this data. 

2. Too many short-lived jobs

Short-lived jobs are another problem that many people have, and they show up on background checks. Though these people have never officially been unemployed, they frequently jump companies. This show a constant inconsistency and lack of commitment on their professional front. You can also go deep down and see if they were fired out of these short-lived jobs or if they quit for authentic reasons. This can help you shed some light on these red flags. 

3. Criminal records 

Criminal records, be it minor misdemeanors or felony charges, all of these are major red flags in background checks. Though if the record is more than 7 – 10 years old and has been sealed by the state, it can not be revealed. When the criminal history is flagged, you can see the type of crime and level of crime committed. After that, as an employer, you can decide whether to go ahead with the candidature or not. 

4. No valid proof of previous job records

Though many people write about a lot of jobs and experiences in their resumes, some of them might not be true. According to CNBC reports, more than 78% of people have accepted that they have lied in their resumes. Some of these lies might be non-harmful, but it also sets a bad precedence in the company culture. These discrepancies in previous job records will be red-flagged in background checks. 

5. Suspicious credit history

Credit history check is not mandatory in all job areas and industries, but finance-related jobs must get them checked. If the employee has a suspicious credit history, it can tarnish the company’s name. 

6. Failed drug screening 

If any particular job profile requires a job test, then a failed drug test can show up as a red flag. Addiction Center, 2021 data has revealed that more than 21 million Americans have some form of addiction, but only 10% get help. This means that the ones that do not get help can have unmanaged addiction issues. Before you onboard an employee, it is better to know their drug history. It will help you understand how dependable the person is as a human and employee. Living healthily has its benefits, and can help one avoid health issues or brain damage.

7. Dishonest educational qualifications

There are many people who forge educational qualifications to get new jobs. But this makes them unskilled for the job and proves their dishonesty. Once you run a comprehensive background check, this will cause a red flag to show. This can also show up as inconsistencies. Maybe the candidate verbally mentioned a certain degree of education, and the resume shows something else. Getting them verified is the best way to go forward. 

Summing up

Overall, it is also important to remember that no matter what the red flag you also need enough context to understand them. Whether these red flags are disqualifiers or can be ignored totally depends on you as a business owner and employer. Get professional employee screening services to know all the red flags. A proper service provider will also analyze and help you understand which red flags matter the most. Safe hiring!