Background and Reference Investigations Flashcards

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a 'ban the box' policy?

Answer: Delaying inquiry into criminal history until later in the hiring process after initial screening

'Ban the box' policies remove the criminal history checkbox from initial job applications, allowing candidates to be evaluated on qualifications first.

When a reference provides highly negative and potentially defamatory information about a candidate, the investigator should:

Answer: Document the information objectively and note it as one source's perspective, subject to verification

Investigators should document negative reference information objectively and factually while noting it represents one source, allowing decision-makers to weigh it appropriately.

Which federal agency provides guidance on how employers should use criminal records in hiring decisions to avoid discriminatory impact?

Answer: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The EEOC issued guidance in 2012 on the use of arrest and conviction records in employment decisions under Title VII.

The primary difference between an 'arrest record' and a 'conviction record' in background investigations is:

Answer: An arrest indicates an accusation but not guilt, while a conviction represents a legal finding of guilt

An arrest indicates only that a person was accused of a crime; a conviction means a court found the person guilty or they pleaded guilty.

For positions requiring a federal security clearance, background investigations are conducted by:

Answer: Authorized federal investigative agencies such as the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or DoD

Federal security clearance investigations are conducted by authorized federal investigative agencies, primarily OPM's National Background Investigations Bureau or DoD components.

Which situation represents an appropriate use of social media screening during a background investigation?

Answer: Verifying publicly shared professional accomplishments and detecting potential misrepresentations

Social media screening is appropriate for verifying job-related claims and detecting misrepresentations, but must not be used to gather information about protected characteristics.

In a background investigation, 'third-party verification' refers to:

Answer: Confirming information through sources independent of the candidate, such as employers, schools, or agencies

Third-party verification means confirming candidate-supplied information directly from independent external sources rather than relying solely on the candidate's self-report.