A reliable way of checking whether or not someone is employed is vital to employers, and there are many options to choose from. Pay stubs and W-2s are two of the most popular choices and are easy to obtain. However, state laws limit the information employers can share with prospective employees.
Pay stubs
Paystubs can be essential evidence whether you’re applying for a new job or trying to buy a home. You’ll need to know what you’re getting paid, how long you’ve been employed with the company, and whether you’ve been deducted any taxes or benefits.
Banks and lenders often use Pay stubs as part of income employment verification check. These documents are usually generated by a computer and should clearly show the employer’s name and address. Pay stubs also contain the number of hours worked each pay period. Employees usually receive 40 hours of pay each week. So whether you’re an hourly or salaried employee, you’ll want to know how many hours you’ve worked in the past month. Pay stubs are also helpful in determining whether you’ve received all of the deductions you’ve been credited for. Standard deductions include federal taxes, retirement accounts, and health insurance. You should also check to see if you’ve been paid for overtime. You may know an overtime pay amount listed on your pay stub if you’re eligible.
W-2s
Obtaining a W-2 form from an applicant is a good way for employers to check candidates’ employment history. It can also verify an applicant’s wage data, which can be especially useful if a candidate has gaps in their employment history. However, requesting a W-2 form can come with several legal risks. Therefore, employers need to take the appropriate precautions in handling this type of information and not put candidates in an untenable situation with their current employers. While a W-2 form is an excellent way to verify employment, other methods may be more effective, including obtaining pay stubs from the employee. A pay stub shows an employee’s wages, the date of work, and the position held. Another method of verifying employment is to call the business and ask for information. Some companies may provide limited information over the phone, but others may be unwilling to share this information.
References
Using references is an excellent way to confirm the employment history of a job candidate. These references are essential to the hiring process because they help an employer establish an applicant’s skills and knowledge. They also provide insights into the applicant’s reliability, communication skills, and collaboration abilities. One of the most common sources of reference checks is an applicant’s former supervisor. An applicant’s former supervisor can provide valuable insights into their performance, responsibilities, and overall fit for the job. However, it’s important to remember that most employers are less keen to disclose performance-related issues. References can also be provided by other employees who worked with the applicant. However, it’s important to remember to limit the information you request. For example, information requested should not include race, health, or complaints about alleged discrimination. References are most commonly used as part of the hiring process. Employers often contact references directly to ensure they have the correct contact information. Following the same rules for reference checks is essential as other employment verification forms.
State laws restrict information
Increasingly, state and local governments are introducing laws restricting the information employers can share with prospective employees to verify current employment. Some of these laws specifically ban employers from asking job applicants about their salary history. Others protect employers from defamation lawsuits. In addition to limiting the information employers can share with prospective employees to verify current work history, state laws also protect employers from relying on information from former employers. These laws also ban employers from intentionally preventing former employees from finding other employment. Applicants who have worked for a public employer can provide limited information about their pay history. However, employers are generally prohibited from asking applicants about their salary history until after they make a conditional offer. Several state laws also prohibit employers from setting compensation based on an applicant’s pay history. These restrictions do not apply to employees applying for a promotion or internal transfer. They also apply to employment agencies. Employers can consult legal counsel if they are concerned about complying with state laws. In addition, they should ensure that they have comprehensive employment verification policies. These policies may also include a thorough reference check process.
Time it takes
Whether hiring a new employee or re-hiring an old one, it is a good idea to ensure that you are hiring the right person for the job. This can be done by conducting a background check on the applicant. Depending on the company, these checks can take two to five days to complete. A pre-employment background check can provide a complete picture of an applicant’s qualifications and criminal history. It can also show you what red flags may be present in the workplace. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use a third-party background check company. These companies can help you speed up the process and provide accurate information. However, many services charge $30 to $75 per inquiry. These services can also help you save time by completing verifications in minutes. Other services can take longer, particularly if you have to conduct a phone interview. In addition, some services are only available on certain days of the week. For example, a background check for a government position may take two weeks or more.
