The document discusses the results of a survey of HR professionals about conducting criminal background checks on job candidates. Some key findings include: - 60% of organizations conduct background checks on all job candidates - A history of violence or weapons charges is very influential in deciding not to extend a job offer - The primary reasons for background checks are legal compliance and assessing safety risks - Most organizations allow candidates to explain adverse background check results

1. January 22, 2010 Background Checking: Conducting Criminal Background Checks

2. Conducting Criminal Background Checks 2

3. Does your organization, or an agency hired by your organization, conduct criminal background checksfor any job candidates by reviewing the candidates’ consumer reports? 3 Note: n = 347. Not sure” responses were excluded from this analysis.

4. On which categories of job candidates does your organization conduct criminal background checks? 4 Note: n = 60 .The data in this figure represent organizations that conduct criminal background checks on select job candidates. Percentages do not total to 100% as respondents were allowed multiple choices.

5. When conducting criminal background check on job candidates, how influential is/would be the discovery of each of the following in your decision to NOT extend a job offer? 5 Note: n=312.

6. When conducting criminal background check on job candidates, how influential are/would be the following factors in relation to the criminal activity (regardless of whether it resulted in conviction or not) in your decision to NOT extend a job offer? 6 Note: n=309. Other information that influences decision not to extend job offer is non disclosure of criminal activity prior to background check.

7. What are the primary reasons that your organization conducts criminal background checks on job candidates? 7 Note: n = 310. Percentages do not total to 100% as respondents were allowed multiple choices. Respondents were asked to select top two options.

8. Does your organization allow job candidates, in certain circumstances, the opportunity to explain the results of their criminal background check that might have an adverse effect on an employment decision? 8 Note: n = 308.

9. Demographics: Organization Industry 9 Note: n=312. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

10. Demographics: Organization Industry (continued) 10 Note: n=312. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

11. Demographics: Organization Sector 11 Note: n = 319. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding

12. Demographics: Organization Staff Size 12 Note: n = 312. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding

13. Demographics: Organization Region 13 Note: n = 312. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding

14. Demographics: Organization Operations Location 14 Note: n = 315. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding

15. Background Checking Methodology Response rate = 19% Sample comprised of 433 randomly selected HR professionals from SHRM’s membership Margin of error is +/- 5 Survey fielded November 18 – December 4, 2009 15