Global business expansion in Georgia offers companies a strategic advantage in tapping into new markets and gaining access to a business-friendly environment.
Situated at the intersection of major trade routes, Georgia serves as a gateway between Europe and Asia.
Its proximity to key markets in the Middle East and Central Asia makes it an ideal location for businesses seeking to expand their reach.
In 2022, the GDP of this country was recorded at US$24.78 billion.
However, simultaneously, it also demands a keen understanding and compliance with all the local labor laws and regulations, specifically those related to data privacy and security.
This is especially important when considering conducting an employee background check in Georgia.
Skuad does background checks in Georgia if partnered with our EOR platform to hire, pay, and manage employees.
Below is a detailed account of Georgia's employee screening process to help you navigate it.
What is an Employee Background Check?
An employee background check is a process conducted by employers to gather information about a potential hire’s past, including their work history, education, criminal record, and other relevant details.
This process aims to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the candidate and mitigate potential risks to the company.
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Talk to an expertWhat are the Benefits of Background Checks in Georgia?
An employee background check in Georgia is critical in ensuring the hiring process's integrity and promoting a safe and productive work environment. Some of its many benefits include:
- Avoids potential legal issues
A thorough employee screening process is required by law in specific industries, such as healthcare or finance. By partnering with a trustworthy background verification company, businesses can ensure that they adhere to these requirements and avoid potential fines and legal issues. - Protects the company’s market reputation
In today’s digital era, negative news, social media posts, or customer complaints can quickly tarnish a company’s reputation. Conducting background checks is a proactive measure to safeguard reputation by ensuring that individuals with a history of misconduct are not hired. - Secure hiring processBackground checks help you make informed hiring decisions by verifying the accuracy of a candidate’s claims regarding their education, work experience, and qualifications.
What are the Types of Background Checks in Georgia?
An employee background check in Georgia encompasses various types, which include:
Criminal record check
A criminal history record in Georgia usually contains details about the candidate’s name, date of birth, gender, race, height, and social security number, among other things.
It also includes information about any candidate's arrest, such as the arresting agency, date of arrest, and charges.
Only certain parts of the criminal history record are released in the context of employment. This usually excludes juvenile, restricted, or sealed records.
You can contact the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) to get the criminal record check.
Employment history check
When conducting an employee screening in Georgia, you can also conduct an employment history check.
This involves verifying an individual's work and employment records.
You may contact previous human resources departments, supervisors, or managers, who can confirm the candidate’s job title, dates of employment, and responsibilities.
Medical screening
If you are hiring for the state or any of its departments or agencies in Georgia, you must ask for a medical certificate from a qualified medical practitioner certification.
It shows that potential candidates meet the health and fitness standards set by Georgia’s State Personnel Board.
Before the commencement of employment, job applicants must complete a self-assessment or physical examination.
If they choose their medical practitioner, they need to submit the examination report to the employer before they start.
Credit history check
A credit report, also known as a credit file disclosure, is a document that showcases a candidate’s credit history and activities.
In 1971, the federal government of Georgia implemented the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to ensure that individuals have certain rights regarding their credit information.
Under this Act, an individual’s credit report is confidential and can only be accessed by those with a valid reason to see it. This includes employers who are thinking about hiring or promoting the said candidate.
Education history
As the name goes, you verify all the educational qualifications of the candidate under education history.
You may contact the schools or universities the individual lists to verify the information provided in their resume.
This may involve contacting the registrar’s office or other relevant departments to confirm enrollment, graduation, degree earned, and any honors or awards.
Social media check
Conducting a social media check in Georgia involves reviewing an individual’s online presence on various social media platforms to gather information about their personal and professional life.
Although there is currently no law that specifically prohibits employers from accessing an individual’s personal social media account, they still need to maintain compliance with other provisions, such as
- The Federal Stored Communications Act
- Georgia Common Law Claim of Intrusion Upon Another’s Seclusion and
- The National Labor Relations Act.
Requirements for Background Check in Georgia
The documents required for conducting an employee background check in Georgia may vary depending on the type of screening. Nonetheless, some of the most common documents include,
- Copies of identification documents such as driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID
- Social security number and date of birth
- Current and previous addresses
- Current and previous employers
- Copies of diplomas or certificates from high school, college, or other educational institutions.
Steps in Conducting Background Checks in Georgia
Let’s look at the many steps in conducting an employee screening in Georgia.
Step 1: Obtain consent from potential candidates
Before initiating any background check in Georgia, obtain explicit consent from the potential employee undergoing the screening.
Ensure that the individual is fully aware of the scope and nature of the background check, including the types of information that will be accessed and how it will be used.
Step 2: Collect relevant information
Gather necessary information from the individual, such as their full name, date of birth, social security number, and other identifying details.
Additionally, obtain any crucial information relevant to the specific type of background check, such as employment history, educational background, and reference contacts.
Step 3: Verify Information
Use the collected information to verify the individual’s background. Contact previous employers, educational institutions, and other relevant sources to confirm the accuracy of the information provided.
Then, you can proceed to make your final hiring decision.
However, the process can be time-consuming and requires full compliance with Georgian Labor Law.
To avoid all the hassle, employers and organizations opt for EOR service providers like Skuad, which takes care of compliance and conducts background checks for them.
Are Employee Background Checks Legal in Georgia?
Background checks are legal in Georgia as long as employers comply with all relevant laws and regulations regarding data privacy and security. These include:
- The Law of Georgia on Personal Data Protection is the primary legislation governing data protection and processing activities in the country.
- Employers in Georgia must also comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when conducting background checks.
- When evaluating an applicant's criminal history, employers must conduct an individualized assessment using the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) criteria.
Planning to Hire in Georgia? Skuad Can Help
Don’t let the fear of international expansion hold you back any long. With Skuad’s EOR service, you can confidently take your business global.
Our EOR services help you hire in different countries and provide additional services like background checks for compliant hiring.
Our comprehensive platform boasts robust global employment and payroll features, ensuring smooth operations across borders.
With access to locally compliant contracts in over 160 countries, you can always guarantee a streamlined workforce management process.
So, are you ready to unlock new opportunities for your business?
FAQs
Q1: What are the background check rules for Georgia?
Ans: In Georgia, background checks are governed by both federal and state laws. For example, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law regulating consumer credit information collection and dissemination, including background checks.
Q2: Where can I get a background check for employment in Georgia?
Ans: The Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS) is a system provided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation that allows both in-state and out-of-state agencies or businesses to conduct background checks on Georgia applicants for employment.
Q3: What is a Level 2 background check in Georgia?
Ans: A Level 2 background check is a comprehensive investigation that delves deep into an individual’s background. It thoroughly examines various aspects, including criminal, personal, and financial information.
Q4: What happens during employment screening?
Ans: During employment screening, employers conduct various checks and assessments to evaluate job candidates' suitability for a particular role.