Over the past few years pre-employment background checks have gained in importance for all employers no matter what the size. This is especially true of employers who are halos defense contractors or work for some aspect of the government. This would include security personnel at airports and even manufacturing people working on defense contracted parts for military equipment. Companies typically do the validation and background check internally or outsource it to an investigation service. Either way brings a measure of due diligence that the company can relay on in the event that something negative should occur.

Companies are becoming much more aware of the problems disgruntled employees can have on the business. Further, the experience and educational claims of some applicants have been shown to be false or puffed up to the point of being almost unbelievable. Another reason for doing a more comprehensive background check is that lack of full disclosure from previous employers. A persons previous employer may actually be glad to be rid of them but wouldn't be candid with you due to the possibility of being accused of any number of illegal statements by the applicant Companies should therefore publicize and do background checks as a matter of policy on all applicants that are under consideration. By making the policy of background checks public, it puts job seekers on notice and may act to deter the level of inaccurate information on resumes and applications.