When hiring domestic staff, it is crucial that you or the domestic staffing agency you use takes the time to do a background check of potential candidates. In addition, you need to make sure that the person you hire is trustworthy and honest, so you do not have to worry about your children, home, or belongings while you are away.

What is a background check?

In general, a background check is obtaining signed consent from job candidates to inquire about their background, character, and other such things that are not always reported on a job application or resume. Additionally, the importance of background checks is to verify the information the candidate has provided on their job application or resume is accurate. 

What do background checks look for?

It depends on the type of background check being run on the individual you want to hire as part of your domestic staff. Some of the more common background checks that should be performed include:

#1. Driving Record

If the domestic staff position involves driving your vehicles, you, or your children, you need to verify the applicant’s driving history. You do not want to hire someone who has a suspended license or excessive moving violations on their record when driving will be a part of their job responsibilities.

#2. Employment Eligibility

It is vital to ensure the person you hire is eligible to work in the United States. Verifying the job candidate is eligible to be hired requires verification of different documents, such as their:

• Driver’s License
• Social Security Card
• Passport
• Work Visa

#3. Criminal Record

Even though the job application might inquire whether the applicant was convicted of any criminal offenses, it does not mean everyone is honest. A criminal background check looks for criminal convictions for various types of crimes, including misdemeanors and felonies.

#4. Sex Offender Registry

If you have concerns about sexual predators working in your household, you should check qualified applicants against the national, state, and local sex offender registries. The registries contain details about sex offenders, the sexual offenses, and whether the offenses involved children.

#5. Licensing and Certifications

If specific licensing and certifications are required for the domestic staff position, you will want to run this type of background check. Verifying these could be as easy as asking the candidate to supply an official copy of any licensing or certifications they hold when they apply for the job.

#6. Employment References

Another type of background check is to take the time to verify all past employment references. Please keep in mind previous employers may be limited in what information they can provide, such as dates of employment and whether they would rehire the former employee.

However, knowing whether a past employer would rehire someone can speak volumes to their character and work ethic.

#7. Personal References

Checking personal references might seem unnecessary since the family and friends of the job applicant will tend to speak positively of the individual. However, taking the time to verify these can give you a better insight into the character and personality of the individual.

#8. Social Media Accounts

Social media has become an essential part of many people’s lives. Searching Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc., gives you a better picture of potential job candidates. In addition, you are often able to learn more about them and other background information.

#9. Google Search

Another easy background check to perform is to do a Google search using the applicant’s name. For example, Google could provide links to social media pages, address and contact information, news articles, and more.

Why are background checks important?

You and your children deserve to feel safe and secure in your home. In addition, your other domestic staff should be provided a safe working environment. Anytime you are hiring domestic staff, you need to ensure the person you hire will not pose a risk to your home or create a hostile work environment.

In addition, conducting background checks lets potential employees know you will be verifying the information they put on their resume and job application, as well as any information they disclosed during an interview.

Do domestic staffing agencies perform background checks?

Most domestic staffing agencies will perform background checks on their pool of job candidates. However, the extent of these background checks will vary from one agency to the next. Some agencies will only perform a basic background check that includes:

• Employment Verification
• State and Local Criminal Record Search
• State Sex Registry Search
• State Driving Record Search

As you can see, these will not provide the complete background history as they do not include national searches, license and certification verification, a personal reference check, and so on.

So, when you are using a domestic staffing agency for hiring domestic staff, take the time to inquire exactly what background checks they perform and how extensive information they obtain from the checks are. 

How Staffing at Tiffanie’s Is Different

At Staffing at Tiffanie’s, we provide peace of mind for you, your children, and your existing household staff by conducting extensive background investigations into each of our job candidates, including:

• Previous Employment Verification
• Licensing and Certification Verification
• National, State, and Local Criminal Check
• National, State, and Local Sex Registry Check
• National, State, and Local Driving Record Search
• Social Media and Online Search

We understand the importance of background checks by taking the time to conduct more thorough checks to ensure you are being provided with the best job candidates that fit your needs.

We are happy to discuss your household and domestic staffing needs, including the different types of background checks and screenings we can perform. For further information or to get started hiring domestic staff, please feel free to fill out our online form or contact us at 866-484-5550 today!