When hiring employees, different industries have different risks to consider. The wrong hire can mean financial loss, reputational damage, or even legal trouble. That’s why companies rely on different types of background checks to ensure they’re making the right choice.
But are you skipping a check that could protect your business? Let’s break down the key background checks industries rely on and when they should be used.
Different types of background checks
1. Identity Verification
Before anything else, companies need to confirm that a candidate is who they say they are. Identity checks verify official documents, while citizenship and visa checks are essential for hiring foreign workers.
Other industries that could benefit from identity verification:
Freelance – Many businesses hire remote freelancers worldwide. Verifying identity ensures you’re not dealing with a fake persona.
Real Estate – Landlords and agencies could use identity verification to confirm a tenant’s legitimacy before signing lease agreements.
2. Qualification Verification
Not everyone is honest about their education or certifications. Qualification verifications confirm academic credentials and professional training. This is especially critical in fields where expertise matters, such as:
- Healthcare – A misrepresented medical degree could put lives at risk.
- Education – Schools need verified teachers to ensure high-quality education.
- Finance and Accounting – Mistakes from unqualified professionals can result in serious financial losses.
Other industries that could benefit from qualification verification:
Tech Startups – Hiring self-proclaimed “experts” without verifying their qualifications can lead to poor software development and security risks.
IT – Many tech jobs need certifications in cybersecurity, software development, or data science. While some skills can be self-taught, verifying qualifications ensures that candidates who claim expertise in cloud security, ethical hacking, or AI development actually have the credentials to back it up. This is especially important for roles handling sensitive data or critical infrastructure.
3. Employment Background Checks
A candidate’s work history gives insight into their experience and integrity. Employment checks confirm job history, while character references help assess a person’s behaviour and cultural fit.
- Corporate hiring (management, finance, HR roles) – Ensures a history of ethical behaviour in positions of trust.
- Security roles (private security, law enforcement) – Past behaviour indicates future reliability in high-risk roles.
- Client-trust positions (banking, customer service, childcare).
- Government and Public Service – Helps ensure transparency and avoid hiring candidates with a history of misconduct.
Other industries that could benefit from employment background checks:
Retail and Hospitality – Verifying past customer service roles can prevent hiring unreliable employees.
Startups and SMEs – Small businesses can’t afford bad hires, making employment verification just as valuable as in corporate settings.
Related Read: The Employment Background Checks Every SA Employer Needs to Know About
4. Criminal Record Checks
When hiring for positions of trust, criminal record checks are non-negotiable. These checks reveal any past offences and fraud records. Industries that must conduct them:
- Finance and Banking – Prevents financial crimes like fraud and embezzlement.
- Security and Law Enforcement (for obvious reasons)
- Childcare and Healthcare – Ensures the safety of vulnerable individuals.
Other industries that could benefit from criminal record checks:
Tech and Software Development – Some industries deal with sensitive data. Criminal record checks could help protect against cybercrime threats.
Retail and E-commerce – Preventing internal theft and fraud in stores and warehouses.
Related Read: How Long Does a Criminal Record Last in South Africa?
5. Credit Checks
Financial responsibility matters in certain industries, making credit checks a crucial part of the different types of background checks employers use. These checks provide insights into an individual’s financial habits, helping businesses assess financial reliability and mitigate risks related to fraud or mismanagement.
- Banking and Finance – Ensures loan officers and accountants handle money responsibly.
- Retail and Real Estate – Useful for employees managing large sums of money or high-value property.
- C-Level and Executive Hiring – Leaders should demonstrate personal financial responsibility.
Related Read: 5 Ways to Recruit Talent Faster in the Financial Sector
Other industries that could benefit from credit checks:
Nonprofits and NGOs – Organisations handling donations and grants should ensure financial integrity.
Hospitality and Events – Employees managing large-scale bookings or budgets should be financially responsible.
6. Social Media Checks
As part of the different types of background checks, social media screening helps employers assess a candidate’s online presence and identify potential risks. Companies use social media background checks for:
- Marketing, PR and Media – A bad post from an employee can damage a brand.
- Government and Politics – Politicians and officials must maintain a clean online presence.
- Corporate Leadership – Executives represent their company’s values online.
Other industries that could benefit from social media checks:
Education – Teachers should model appropriate online behaviour.
Hospitality and Customer-Facing Roles – Checking for past complaints or problematic behaviour can improve customer trust.
7. Driver’s License and Vehicle Checks
For any role requiring vehicle operation, license verification and vehicle history checks are crucial. This prevents unqualified drivers from taking the wheel.
- Logistics and Delivery – Ensures safe drivers for fleet operations.
- Ride-sharing and Public Transport – Protects passengers from unqualified drivers.
- Emergency and First Responders – Validates the ability to operate emergency vehicles.
Other industries that could benefit from license and vehicle checks:
Construction and Engineering – Heavy machinery operators should have verified credentials.
Sales and Field Services – Companies providing company vehicles should confirm valid licenses.
8. Bank Account Verifications
To prevent fraud and ensure smooth payments, businesses verify bank accounts before transferring salaries or funds.
- HR and Payroll Processing – Avoids paying salaries into fraudulent accounts.
- Financial Services – Confirms legitimate business transactions.
- Government and Nonprofits – Ensures funds reach the right recipients.
Other industries that could benefit from back account verifications:
Real Estate and Property Management – Prevents scams in rental transactions.
Don’t Skip the Right Background Checks
Different industries need different types of background checks, and missing a key check could cost your business. Whether it’s verifying identity, criminal records, or financial history, choosing the right checks can protect your company from unnecessary risks.
Are you covering all the necessary checks for your industry? If not, it might be time to review your hiring process.
Get to know our background check platform better—dive into our resources or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.
