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Pre-employment screening
Last updated January 2024
This chapter explains pre-employment screening methods you might use, and your legal obligations and risks through the screening process.
Why should you undertake pre-employment screening?
Pre-employment screening is a vital component of the recruitment process.
Definition: Pre-Employment Screening
Pre-employment screening is a process employers can use to assess the suitability of prospective employees.
Pre-employment screening is a process employers can use to assess the suitability of prospective employees.
A structured and consistent pre-employment screening process ensures that each job candidate goes through the same process. This helps to determine the applicant best suited for the role you are trying to fill.
Important: Your aim in all recruitment procedures should be to ensure the consistent treatment of all candidates.
How to determine which pre-employment screening methods to use
The pre-employment screening process may involve one or more screening methods, such as:
- background and identification checks;
- medical examinations;
- immigration status checks;
- pre-employment assessment and profiling; and
- criminal record checks.