Podcast: From Brokaw to Background Checks

Author: David B. Weisenfeld, XpertHR Legal Editor

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Annual Convention wrapped up in Atlanta in impressive fashion with a performance by Jerry Seinfeld. Former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw followed up the next morning with a thought-provoking talk about today's state of affairs.

Brokaw showed a bit of self-deprecating wit in telling the audience: "Last night you had margaritas (referring to Seinfeld), and I'm the hangover." Still, "The Greatest Generation" author tackled a number of tough topics, including some proposals of interest to HR professionals.

For instance, addressing the many veterans looking for work after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Brokaw said: "If we can make those returning veterans feel welcome and find a place for them in the workforce, that will benefit all of society."

On another note, Brokaw went on to propose having six public service academies in the US that would be public-private enterprises and train an entirely new workforce for the country's needs. Under Brokaw's proposal, recent graduates would give three years of public service, either abroad or domestically, in exchange for gaining fellowships with companies upon their return.

Also on the schedule amidst the stars were a number of seminars that attracted overflow crowds, including one on Background Checks led by California employment Lester Rosen, who heads Employment Screening Resources (ESR). Following his presentation about the top 10 trends for background checks in 2012, Rosen spoke with XpertHR about mistakes and misconceptions surrounding background checks.

Among his insights:

  • It's not just a matter of buying data. Employers must ensure it's accurate.
  • Conducting a background check by itself does not necessarily mean the employer has done its due diligence.
  • Employers can't forget about the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

For much more on this issue, listen to XpertHR's background check podcast featuring Rosen followed by insights from an HR professional in the trenches.

XpertHR Podcast (MP3 format, 7.6MB)

We wrap up our SHRM 2012 podcast series with an in-depth look at background checks, featuring a conversation with Lester Rosen - California employment attorney and CEO of Employment Screening Resources....