The pre-employment screening process is a vital step for organizations to ensure they hire individuals with integrity and trustworthiness. Two commonly used methods in this process are pre-employment polygraph screening tests and pre-employment criminal record checks based on fingerprint verification. Although both techniques aim to provide insights into an applicant's background, they differ significantly in their approach, methodology, and the information they reveal. In this article, we explore the distinctions between these two methods to help employers make informed decisions during the hiring process.
Pre-Employment Voice Polygraph Screening
A pre-employment voice polygraph screening test involves the use of a voice polygraph instrument, commonly known as a lie detector, to measure physiological responses of an applicant during questioning. The primary objective of a voice polygraph test is to uncover unknown undesirable behaviors or tendencies that an applicant may possess, such as involvement in illegal activities, drug use, or unethical behavior in previous employment. It aims to reveal information that may not be disclosed through standard application processes or interviews.
Pre-Employment Criminal Record Checks with Fingerprint Verification
In contrast, pre-employment criminal record checks based on fingerprint verification utilize biometric technology to verify an applicant's criminal history. This method relies on the unique patterns and ridges present in an individual's fingerprints, which remain unchanged throughout their lifetime. By comparing an applicant's fingerprints against a comprehensive criminal database, employers can identify if the person has a known criminal record, including convictions and arrests. Fingerprint-based criminal record checks primarily focus on known criminal convictions and provide a reliable means to assess an applicant's potential risk to the organization.
Summary of Differences and Objectives
Methodology: Pre-employment voice polygraph screening involves assessing physiological responses during questioning using a voice polygraph instrument, while fingerprint-based criminal record checks rely on biometric technology and comparison against a criminal database. Information Revealed: Voice Polygraph tests aim to uncover unknown undesirable behaviors or tendencies, including undisclosed criminal activities or unethical behaviors. Fingerprint-based criminal record checks focus on known criminal convictions, providing employers with a clear understanding of an applicant's prior involvement with the law.
Which One is Best?
Ideally both methods should be employed during the vetting process. The reason is that a candidate may not have a criminal record yet, because he/she has not been caught yet. A truth verification test may reveal aspects they employer would not have been aware of if the employer only relied on a criminal record check.
