The value of pre-employment background screenings is indisputable; the many protections background checks provide far outweigh their costs. Best of all, when you work with a professional screening service provider, these protections are affordable and easily attainable. But what if your candidate has lived or worked outside of the United States? Choosing a screening partner with global experience makes it possible for you to background check anyone from anywhere.

What’s Possible with International Background Checks?

International screenings are more complicated and can take longer than purely domestic checks and you won’t always be able to get all the same information from abroad as you can get from the US. That said, here’s what you can expect from a reputable international background check:

Employment Verification

When your candidate’s most relevant experience was obtained outside the United States, international employment verification is critical. Skilled investigators work with employers anywhere in the world to verify work experience. At minimum, researchers will verify dates of employment and positions held. Local laws and the policies of each individual employer will determine if additional information can be obtained such as reason for leaving, pay rates, or job performance. Beyond obtaining basic information, professional screeners also read between the lines and alert you to possible red flags.

Criminal History

Over 230 different countries allow criminal records searches. Background screeners can conduct criminal history searches around the world on a local or national level. Available information includes felony and misdemeanor charges and convictions that are similar to those in the US. With the help of an experienced international investigator, you will receive relevant information presented in an understandable manner so you can make wise and prudent hiring decisions.

Education Verification

For many positions, it’s important to verify education and credentials as well as professional certifications. Institutions outside the United States will provide information on degrees obtained, attendance dates, graduation dates, and grades or overall performance. Frequently, this information can look different from comparable US info, but your international screening partner will help you decipher the data and translate it into news you can use.

Do Your Due Diligence

The number of international workers entering the workforce in the United States is growing every year, as is the number of US citizens that have worked and studied abroad. Doing your due diligence during the hiring process means conducting a thorough background check on everyone, domestic and foreign. While international background checks certainly pose challenges, the resources and skills of global background screeners put safe hiring practices within reach for all candidates.