Pre-Employment History - Verify Employment History Report

For FBI checks consult the following resources:

• FBI Services for Businesses
  The Federal Bureau of Investigation offers assistance to businesses in the areas of employee background investigation, antitrust investigation, trade secret and intellectual property protection, cyberspace patrol, economic espionage, and anti-terrorism.
• FBI Criminal History Checks for Employment and Licensing
  Advises employers to contact the agency requiring the background check or the appropriate state identification bureau (or state police) for the correct procedures to follow for obtaining an FBI fingerprint background check for employment or licensing purposes.
• FBI Checks on Employees of Banks and Related Entities
  Information on conducting criminal history background checks on employees of banking-related institutions.

Lie Detector Tests

The Employee Polygraph Protection Act prohibits most private employers from using lie detector tests, either for pre-employment screening or during the course of employment. The law includes a list of exceptions that apply to businesses that provide armored car services, alarm or guard services, or manufacture, distribute, or dispense pharmaceuticals. Even though there is no federal law specifically prohibiting you from using a written honesty test on job applicants, these tests frequently violate federal and state laws that protect against discrimination and violations of privacy. The test are rarely reliable, so unless a business is one of the exceptions, most employers do not use lie detectors in the hiring process.

Medical Records

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act employers may inquire only about an applicant's ability to perform specific job duties and cannot request an employee's medical records. As long as the employee can do the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, an employer may not make a job decision (on hiring or promotion, for example) based on an employee's disability. Some states also have laws protecting the confidentiality of medical records.

Bankruptcies

Bankruptcies are a matter of public record, and my appear on an individual's credit report. The federal Bankruptcy Act prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants because they have filed for bankruptcy.

Military Service

Military service records may be released only under limited circumstances, and consent is generally required. The military may, however, disclose name, rank, salary, duty assignments, awards, and duty status without the member's consent.

School Records

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and similar state laws, educational records (e.g., transcripts, recommendations, and financial information) are confidential, and will not be released by the school with a student's consent.

Workers' Compensation Records

Workers' compensation appeals are part of the public record. Information from a workers' compensation appeal may be used in a hiring decision if the employer can show the applicant's injury might interfere with his ability perform required duties.