How Do I Start a Background Check? Seeking Guidance on Contacting Previous Employers

Hi all,

I'm working as an HR Executive and am supposed to conduct a background check (BGC) of an employee ASAP. However, I have no clue on how to approach his previous employers and what details I should request from them. Do I need to obtain any information from the employee before contacting his previous employers?

If anyone can assist me with the BGC process and its required documents, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and regards,
Nirosha

Dear Nirosha, Earlier, a detailed questionnaire was sent to the ex-company of the employee to inquire about the tenure details of the newly joined employee. However, with attrition rising, companies started receiving scores of background verification forms, making it increasingly difficult to confirm the skills or qualities of the employee.

Against this backdrop, many companies now simply send a letter to authenticate the information provided by the job applicant. The rough draft that you may send to the ex-company of the newly joined employee could be as follows:

Heading: Background Verification: Mr/Ms __________

Dear Sir/Madam,

1. This is to inform you that one of your ex-employees has joined our organization, ______________ (complete name of your company). This email is sent to verify the information provided by the employee. The scanned copy of the Service-cum-Employment certificate that your organization has provided to the employee has been attached to this email.

2. Please confirm the following:
a) Authenticity of the certificate
b) Whether the separation of the employee was under normal circumstances or if it had any negative connotations. If the latter, please mention the reasons.
c) Whether the employee has any outstanding dues
d) General conduct and disposition of the employee

3. We would be obliged if you could provide us with truthful information.

Thanks and regards,
________ (complete name)

Thanks, Dinesh Divekar