A Look at Employee Drug Testing and Background Checks

There are many parts of the interview and hiring process when applying for work at many of the companies across the nation. After you have been interviewed for the position and feel confident you may have the job, the results of a drug test and a background check can change the mind of a potential employers.

 

Employers use several strategies to select the appropriate candidate for job openings and want to rule out potential risk including those using illegal drugs and those with a criminal history. As a rule, many companies have a policy that requires some background searching and drug testing before an applicant can be hired for a job. In some cases, there are companies that will require mandatory drug testing through one’s employment.

 

Companies are looking to reduce their liabilities and risks when hiring new people. Certain industries have much stricter policies regarding these upfront checks due to the nature of the work being done. For instance, a heavy machine operator has a lot of responsibility for health and safety in the workplace and must make split-second decisions. Being under the influence of drugs while operating equipment can result in injuries or deaths to those in the work environment. Companies are trying to reduce the potential for such situations by conducting research on employees.

 

Those working in financial jobs such as payroll, accounting, or in governmental agencies may also be subjected to additional checks including credit history reviews and fingerprinting. Due to the handling of potentially large sums of money, a person with a poor track record in their personal finances may be more inclined to mishandle their job responsibilities.

 

Potential candidates for new jobs should understand the company policies on drug testing and other personal checks before completing applications. Companies can only conduct such testing with an individual’s consent. Forms are often included with the initial job application. People are encouraged to read over these materials prior to signing their consent.

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