Index What is a background check?  Types of Background Verification Should background checks be done before or after hiring? Is employee consent required before running a background check in Pakistan? How is background check or verification done in Pakistan? Conclusion FAQs

 

You can no longer only rely on trust.
To put it plainly, a lot of job seekers lie on their resumes. Studies have shown that 56% of background checks found discrepancies in the information provided by the applicants.

Background checks and verification of antecedents are a part of the pre-employment screening process used to look into potential employees for the authenticity of their claims.

Bad hiring is common. Each of us has borne the brunt of it. Many a time, companies speedily realize their mistake but the employee carries on without causing much harm. However, in worst cases, these employees fail to perform their tasks which lowers workplace morale or may cause legal issues for the company. Either way, the company is left dealing with a tiresome situation and hence follows the entire vicious cycle of rehiring.

 

What is a background check? 

How do you lessen the chances of bad hiring? Pre-employment background check!

Pre-employment background check offers an in-depth analysis of a prospective employee’s history, enabling employers to make well-grounded decisions. It helps reveal all details that a person may have concealed or not disclosed during the interview process, helping you only offer jobs to candidates with integrity.  

Pre-employee background checks should be integral to your recruitment process, especially when hiring in Pakistan. In a country with a huge job market (the working-age population is set at 85.78 million) and constantly expanding, understanding the nitty-gritty of running effective background checks can help you sieve through the vast pool of candidates easily and confidently.

Your best hire is right there, waiting to be discovered! 

 

Types of background checks:

The hiring position usually defines the type of background check required. For eg, health sector jobs that involve working with critical and intensive cases, require a thorough check into candidates’ criminal, license, and reference checks. Check Xperts runs multifarious background check services depending on the nature of the employment.

Pre-employment screening sits at the core of what we do. Check Xperts provides a range of services:

• Employment check
• Education check
• Criminal check 
• Credit check 
• Drug test 
• Global sanctions
• Identity check 
• Reference check 
• Site Visit check
• Social Media Check 
• Vendor check

 

Should Background Checks be Done Before or After Hiring? 

Crying over spilt milk is a cliche. However, to avoid this, conducting an employee background check before the recruitment procedure can be quintessential. 

When conducted priorly, background verification will give you a detailed insight into the prospective candidate’s history easing the hiring process. Early background checks can guarantee rigorous adherence to the law in industries where specific background standards are required, as well as help hiring managers make better-informed choices and choose applicants who fit the organization's goals and ideals.

It sure is extensive, but precaution is better than cure!!  
Conducting background checks after hiring allows for a quicker recruitment process, enabling employers to fill positions more rapidly. You also ensure a trustworthy relationship with your employees as they feel valued, leading to higher engagement and job satisfaction. 

A delay in background checks not only limits employers' legal options for addressing discovered discrepancies but also, exposes organizations to higher risks leading to costly legal and reputational repercussions.  

At the heart of any background verification lies the dire need to find the best potential hire for the growth of the company. In this context, it completely depends on the needs of the company, along with its working ethos to determine the correct time for conducting background screening. 

 

Is employee consent required before running a background check in Pakistan? 

In Pakistan, the legal framework governing employment background checks is primarily set forth by the Data Protection Act and the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act of 1996. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) are key organizations responsible for managing personal data and telecommunications records.

Pakistani law does not explicitly prohibit background checks on job applicants, whether conducted by employers directly or through external agencies. However, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), employers must obtain the candidate’s consent before conducting background checks.

It’s also worth noting that candidates have the right to refuse background checks before employment in Pakistan. However, their refusal may affect their eligibility for certain positions, especially those requiring thorough security and credibility assessments. Also failing to obtain explicit consent from candidates before conducting background checks can lead to legal consequences. 

 

How is background check or verification done in Pakistan? 

Here are steps Pakistani employers should follow to ensure legal and effective background checks:

• Obtain candidate consent: Before commencing background checks, obtain written consent from the candidate. The consent form includes the candidate's full name, current address, date of birth, national identity number, and other necessary details.
• Verify identity: Verify the candidate's identity using their national identity card or passport through NADRA.
• Verify work experience: Contact previous employers to conduct a past employment check and verify the candidate's work experience and performance.
• Verify educational qualifications: Verify the candidate's academic degrees and certificates from the respective educational institutions.
• Check criminal records: Conduct criminal record checks through the local police station or NADRA.
• Check references: Speak with the candidate's provided references to gain insights into their professional behaviour and ethical practices.
• Check financial history: Within legal boundaries, verify the candidate's financial history to ensure alignment and relevance with the job role.
• Social media screening: Professionally review the candidate's social media involvement and presence on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to gauge their personality and professional image. This assessment should consider privacy as well as relevance and cultural fit with the job.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensure compliance with Pakistani data protection laws, including the Data Protection Act and other relevant regulations, throughout the background check process.
• Documentation and reporting: Maintain comprehensive records of the background check process and compile a comprehensive report for review.

Alternatively, you can automate this process by contacting Check Xperts, for a quick employee background check. 

 

Conclusion

A successful background check is a clear indication of a candidate’s honesty and integrity. A company can always train for skills, but the single most important quality that cannot be traded is integrity. 

Employers can sit back through the final recruitment stages if they have a background verification company to screen candidates’ applications for the accuracy of claims. Check Xperts is one such company that provides the best background check services globally. For a more robust hiring process, contact Check Xperts for all your background check needs.

 

FAQs 

1. Is it legal to run background checks on employees?
   Yes, the law in Pakistan allows background checks on employees, either directly or through external agencies. However, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), employers must obtain the candidate’s consent before conducting background checks.
   
   
2. Can a company run a background check without employee consent?
   No, candidates can refuse background checks before employment in Pakistan. Refusing a background check may affect their eligibility for certain positions, particularly those requiring thorough security assessments.
    
3. What are the implications if the background check is not cleared?
   You may request a reconsideration. It is very important to review the report based on the company’s background check policy and hiring procedures.