Focus of the Background Investigation

Question 1

What is the purpose of the background investigation?
1)
2)
3)

Answer 1

1) Verify accuracy and completeness of candidate’s statements
2) Develop relevant information concerning the candidate
3) Determine the candidate’s suitability for employment

Question 2

As a general rule, when should the background investigation be completed?

Answer 2

Prior to allowing the applicant to commence employment

Question 3

What is the most important information-gathering tool in a background investigation?

Answer 3

The completed application form

Question 4

Application forms reveal substantial information pertinent to the investigation. Some examples are:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9
10)

Answer 4

1) Name & variations
2) Citizenship
3) Military record
4) References
5) Security clearances
6) Previous education
7) Employment history
8) Convictions
9) Organizational affiliations
10) Previous residences

Question 5

How many consecutive years of employment / non-employment immediately preceding should be verified?

Answer 5

5

Question 6

Gaps in employment more than ___________ length of time should be explained and fully explored

Answer 6

30 days

Question 7

What is the most desirable method of investigation?

Answer 7

Personal contact, rather than phone/mail queries

Question 8

Information sought or developed in background screen must be:
1)
2)
3)

Answer 8

1) Relevant to the hiring decision
2) Reliable (good probability of being correct)
3) If unfavorable, must be confirmed by at least one other source

Question 9

Who should all completed investigations be reviewed by?

Answer 9

A responsible supervisory employee

Question 10

The Contract Investigative Agency should be advised in writing what, regarding the reports?

Answer 10

The reason for the reports, the nature of the investigations, the basis for pricing reports, and the time service periods

Question 11

The Contract Investigative Agency should be advised in writing what, regarding representation?

Answer 11

The agency is not to represent itself as the organization.

Question 12

The Contract Investigative Agency should be advised in writing what, regarding where reports go?

Answer 12

The identity, telephone number, and mailing address of the organization personnel to whom reports should be made.

Question 13

What are the 4 stages of a Government Background Investigation?
1)
2)
3)
4)

Answer 13

1) Personal history statement
2) Evaluation of personal history statement
3) A national agency check
4) A full field investigation

Question 14

An example of an ability test

Answer 14

a typing test

Question 15

What does an aptitude test measure?

Answer 15

One’s ability to learn

Question 16

What’s an example of a personality inventory test?

Answer 16

MMPI-II, Myers-Briggs

Question 17

Prohibits most private employers from using polygraph tests

Answer 17

The Employee Polygraph Protection Act

Question 18

What employers are exempt from the Employee Polygraph Protection Act?

Answer 18

Those with employees in certain security services or organizations involved with the lawful manufacturing and distributing of controlled substances

Question 19

When performing a financial and lifestyle inquiry, employees should be:

Answer 19

advised of the organizations policy

Question 20

Financial & Lifestyle Inquiries are considered when:
1)
2)
3)

Answer 20

1) On a promotion to a significantly more responsible position
2) On assignment to significantly more sensitive duties
3) On a cyclical basis for persons in sensitive positions

Question 21

Subject selection for financial & lifestyle inquiries:
1)
2)
3)

Answer 21

1) Select specific position titles
2) Ask senior executive management to submit a confidential list
3) Schedule on specific events (ie, a garnishment notice)

Question 22

Sources to be checked for financial & lifestyle inquiries:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

Answer 22

1) Security/law enforcement agency files
2) Civil litigation
3) Personnel / payroll dept records
4) Bank / credit agency files / sources
5) Inspection of residence
6) Real property records

Question 23

What should be done if anomalies are found in the financial & lifestyle inquiry?

Answer 23

They should be investigated fully, including interviewing the subject of the inquiry

Question 24

How often should re-investigations occur for lifestyle & financial inquiries?

Answer 24

Every 18 months