What is Preemployment Screening?

Tests are always a scary thing, aren't they? But when you're heading in for a job interview, and you really want the job, it's even more terrifying to agree to a drug test. This preemployment screening seems to be questioning your trustworthiness and your ability to do your job while not being under the influence of some substance. Assuming you didn't show up for your job interview completely drunk (and if you did, stop reading now), you're probably in the clear but it never hurts to know what you're up against when you are given that little plastic cup.

So, What is Preemployment Screening?

Many companies define preemployment screening and preemployment drug testing in different ways. Basically, this is a process in which your blood, urine, or hair are tested for drugs and other illegal substances. This helps the company determine whether or not you are currently using drugs or if you have used drugs in the past. Generally, employees who do drugs are not the most efficient or the most reliable employees, after all. So, it makes sense that employers don't want to hire these people. Drugged out employees just aren't able to make the best impression with customers and with other clients.

But preemployment screening can go beyond testing for drugs and for alcohol. Some employers are also interested in checking your criminal and financial backgrounds. This way, the employer can find out if you've done any naughty things in the past (well, ones that you've gotten in trouble for) and they can make an assessment of your future behavior. After all, it makes sense that a person who has killed someone in the past just might do it again, just saying. The financial background check is the one that's most confusing to prospective employees, but it does help an employer. When an employer checks your credit report, they can tell whether or not you are good with money. In learning this, they can assess whether you will be good with their money - or if you're someone who might be prone to stealing from a company.

What is Preemployment Screening Good For?

If you look at the hiring process through the employer's eyes, you can begin to see the value of doing preemployment screening. When the employer can find out ahead of time about an employee's drug habit or their past financial snafus, they can avoid hiring a person who might cause trouble. Think about it - if a company hired someone who had a criminal record and then the employee caused harm to a customer, the company would then be liable for the injury caused - injury they could have avoided with a simple background check. Think about it, do you want a drugged out person working with your kids? Didn't think so.

Sure, urinating into a cup is no joy, but you don't have anything to hide, do you? What is preemployment screening but a chance for you to prove just how valuable (and safe) an employee you will be for a company.