3. Reference Background Checks For the purpose of this research, the phrase “Reference background checks” refers to any verification of information provided by a job applicant (e.g., employment history), or communication with people regarding the job applicant (e.g., former supervisor or co-worker). It does not include credit and criminal background checks. 3
4. Does your organization, or an agency hired by your organization, conduct reference background checks for any job candidates? 4 Note: n=433. Respondents who responded “Not sure” were excluded from the analysis.
5. Which category of job candidates does your organization conduct reference background checks on? 5 Note: (n = 86) .The data in this figure represent organizations that conduct reference background checks on select job candidates. Percentages do not total to 100% as respondents were allowed multiple choices.
6. In general, how frequently does your organization, or an agency hired by your organization, conduct any of the following reference background checks for its job candidates? 6 Note: n=301-398. Respondents who responded “Not applicable” were excluded from the analysis.
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8. In general, how frequently does your organization, or an agency hired by your organization, conduct any of the following reference background checks for its job candidates? 8 2009 Compared With 2004 Note: Table represent those who answered that their organizations “always” conduct reference background checks. Where possible, 2009 data are compared with 2004; a dash (--) indicates that this particular option was not asked in 2004.
9. How often do you discover information that is inaccurate compared to what job candidates presented during the interview process when conducting reference background checks on job candidates regarding: 9 Note: n=107-365. Respondents who responded “Not applicable” were excluded from the analysis.
10. In general, after conducting reference background checks, if inaccuracies/misrepresentations were discovered compared to what the job candidate presented during the interview process what types of information are MOST likely to impact your decision to NOT extend a job offer? 10 Note: n=185. Respondents were allowed to select their top three options.
11. Does your organization allow job candidates, in certain circumstances, the opportunity to explain the results of their reference background check that might have an adverse effect on an employment decision? 11 Note: n=371
12. What are the primary reasons that your organization conducts reference background checks on job candidates? 12 Note: n=369. Respondents were allowed to select their top two reasons.
