You Know Companies Use Background Checks in their Hiring Process – But How Can YOU Use Background Checks in Your Daily Life? 


Background Checks are designed for protection.  Even in your personal life, using a background check to provide a sense of security to yourself and your family is sound advice.  Don’t think you would ever need to use a background check?  Think again!  The following list may get you thinking!

1.       Babysitters or Nannies – Your children are the most valuable people in your life.  Making sure that the person you hire to watch them when you are not around is safe and reliable makes sense.  You can check with previous employers for a good part of the information you need.  Many teens also take a Red Cross Course in babysitting and you can ask if they have this certification. 

 If you are hiring a nanny through an agency, verify that they have run a criminal background check and ask for the results!  You should also see that they have been certified in basic first aid and child CPR. 

2.      Home Health Care Providers - If you have elderly parents or anyone in need of a home health aide, knowing that those people have the certifications and training they need is crucial.  Making sure they do not have any criminal record (especially anything to do with abuse or drug offenses) is also essential to the protection of those you love.  The agency providing the health care worker should have run a background check containing this information.  Make sure you know what they found before you allow them in your home.

3.      Housekeeper or Maid Service – Do you really want the people that clean your home unsupervised to have a criminal record?  At the very least you want to know what kind of job they do and if they are reliable.  Check their references carefully and, if they are employed through an agency, check to see what you can expect in the event of any problems with the service. 

4.      Home Contractors or Handymen – Checking references of past customers may give you information on their skills and work habits.  If they own their own business, checking with the Better Business Bureau or your local township offices for complaints and how they resolved them is good business.

5.      New Roommate – While getting a new roommate rarely escalates into an incident like the one depicted in the movie “Single White Female”, checking out a potential new roommate is both practical and sensible.  Do they have a criminal record?  Do they pay their rent on time?  You may not be able to access their financial records, but contacting their previous landlords or roommates is a good step.  You can also check your county’s civil and federal court records to see if they have filed bankruptcy or been involved in litigations.

6.       Renters and Tenants – Do you own any rental property?  A vacation home you are thinking of renting?  You need to take the necessary steps to protect both your property and ensuring the safety of your other tenants (if you have them) and your neighbors.  A basic check of any criminal or civil actions against them is the first step.  You should also check any past landlords to determine whether they pay their rent on time and if they left the rental property in good order.  

These are just some suggestions on how you can use Background Checks to make you and your family safer.  Whether you run these checks yourself or hire a professional to help, the additional peace of mind you will have is invaluable.

Kimberly