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Use of Background Checks on the Rise

One of the most popular topics we've addressed here on the Big Time is that of criminal background checks. Spurring heated debate and empathetic postings, the issue of criminal records has many people talking. And now, more data about the use of background checks is adding to the ongoing conversation.

According to a new report by Kroll, the percentage of criminal records "hits" in employment background checks rose to 9.1% in 2006 from 8.5% the previous year. The report also found that the construction industry had the highest hit ratio for criminal records at 16.1%, and education ad the highest hit ratio for drug testing at 8.8%.

According to a Kroll senior VP, employers are using background checks more often. He says "Overall, the increases we have seen over the past few years point to employers' heightened awareness of the importance a thorough background check plays in the hiring process."

To read past advice, or stories from those affected by criminal backgrounds, check out the Big Time posts on this subject.

I'm curious to hear what our readers think about this new data? In particular, does anyone find it concerning that the education sector (i.e. potentially those folks teaching the children of America) had the highest hit ratio for drug testing?

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Filed under: Career Advice, Hot Topics, Job Search Guidance, Seymour Jobs

Posted by Seymour Jobs on May 30, 2007 at 3:59 PM

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Comments

I am also in the same boat. Since my misdemeanor conviction I have completed a AAS, BS in computer science and an MBA, however I have been out of work for 6 months now due to corporate downsizing. I have a beautiful wife and two very young children, however now that I have a mortgage, car payments, etc., my wife has been forced to work 60+hr work weeks as a RN just to keep our heads above water. At this point I have lost 4 high paying (6-figure) jobs in the past 6 months due to my background, and am have become emotionally unstable and even suicidal sometimes. Unannounced to my wife and family, I admit here the only thing that has kept me in touch with reality is my kids even though its hard for me to look them in the eyes knowing I cannot provide for them. Even if I were to apply for some below-poverty type salary working in a fast food, I still don't think I would be hired even though my crime was over 8 years ago. I feel I have been entrapped by my own prison.

Posted by E R on June 6, 2007 7:13 PM

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