Before you say “No,” consider this: we live and work in a globalized world, which means businesses are hiring folks who have lived, worked, and studied in diverse geographic locations. The accountant you want to hire for your office in Ohio spent 5 years living and working in Europe. The engineer you are hiring for your Atlanta office earned her degree in India. Or maybe your business even has remote working options, so the new customer service rep you hired actually lives in Canada.
Do you need international background check services? Probably. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are International Background Checks?
International background checks involve verifying a candidate’s history in locations around the world. Just like standard domestic checks, these checks may include the following:
- Employment History Verification: Completing international employment verification anywhere in the world the candidate has worked.
- Education Verification: Validating degrees, certifications, and academic records from international institutions.
- Criminal Records Check: Searching for criminal history in foreign jurisdictions.
- Credit History Check: Reviewing financial behavior, relevant particularly for roles that involve financial responsibilities.
- Reference Checks: Contacting international references to confirm the candidate’s work ethic and character.
Situations Requiring International Background Checks
International background checks ensure a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s suitability in scenarios such as the following:
- Expatriate Employees: When hiring expats who have lived and worked in multiple countries, it’s crucial to verify their international records to assess their professional and personal integrity.
- Remote Workers: With the rise of remote work, businesses often employ individuals who may be residing in other countries. Verifying their background internationally ensures consistency in hiring standards.
- Global Expansion: Companies expanding their operations abroad need to hire local talent in those regions. Conducting background checks helps in building a reliable local team.
- High-Security Positions: For roles that demand high security, such as in finance or IT security, ensuring a candidate’s clear record internationally is the only way to mitigate risk.
How to Conduct International Background Checks
Conducting international background checks is tricky, given the varying legal and procedural norms across countries. The complexities go beyond languages and time zones; differences in privacy laws, cultural norms, terminology, and more make collecting and interpreting background check data truly challenging. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting what you need:
- Select a Reputable Service Provider: Choose a background check provider with expertise in international screening. They should have a robust network and understanding of global compliance standards.
- Obtain Consent: Just like domestic checks, obtaining explicit consent from the candidate is essential. Inform them about the scope of the background check.
- Gather Required Information: Collect all necessary details, including past addresses, employment history, and educational institutions attended abroad.
- Request Specific Checks: Depending on the role, request specific checks such as criminal record searches, employment and education verification, and credit history checks.
- Review and Verify: Once the information is obtained, review it carefully. Look for any discrepancies or red flags that could impact the hiring decision.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
When conducting international background checks, compliance with the following takes center stage:
- Compliance with Local Laws: Ensure adherence to the legal requirements of each country involved in the check. Some countries have strict privacy laws that govern background screenings.
- Non-Discrimination: Maintain fairness and avoid discriminatory practices. Apply the same standards and checks uniformly across all candidates.
- Data Protection: Handle candidate information securely and comply with data protection regulations such as the GDPR in Europe.
The Bottom Line
International background checks are an important tool for making smart and safe hiring decisions. By understanding the nuances and legalities involved when working across borders, businesses can conduct reliable checks that are effective and compliant.