Background check in the Netherlands

What are the benefits of background checks in the Netherlands?

There are many advantages of conducting a background check in the Netherlands. Here are a few reasons:

• To enhance the quality of employees: Candidates with the most experience and skill are usually the better option. Employing the best talents ultimately improves the quality of your workforce. Applicants know this, and some may attempt to falsify documents to meet job requirements. Thus, running a background check in the Netherlands on their academic or employment history is an effective screening method.
• To determine the best for your company: Sometimes, hiring the most skilled or experienced candidates may not be enough to achieve your dream workforce. You want individuals who fit in seamlessly with the work culture and have a similar drive as you. Interpreting the company’s vision and representing you during and after office hours would be easier than the average person. So, conducting pre-employment screening can help you know if the candidate fits your company.
• Proof of fairness in hiring policies: In countries like Holland, it’s illegal for employers to deny a candidate employment due to discrimination. If you maintain a transparent and fair hiring policy, background checks can help. Some candidates who feel they deserve the position may claim you refused to hire them due to discrimination. Background checks can help you clear your name.
• Reduced threats to physical and human resources security: Employees function well in a safe environment. To ensure the safety of your employees and office tools, you want to avoid employing violent and destructive candidates. You can detect a candidate with a history of vandalism, violence, assault, or insubordination by digging into their previous employment.

What are the types of background checks in the Netherlands?

Companies in the Netherlands perform various checks significantly when facilitating an employee’s relocation. Here are the primary checks:

Criminal history or Police check

A criminal record check in the Netherlands helps to determine if an employee has previous run-ins with the law that could affect the company in the future. Employees may need to provide a certificate of conduct (VOG) to prove they have a clean criminal record.

Employment history check

Before hiring, employers want to know if an applicant will be an asset or a liability. A practical solution is to conduct a work history check in the Netherlands. Companies contact the previous employers in the applicant’s resume during this check. They make sure to get information on work ethic, teamwork, and professional accomplishments.

Medical screening

Medical screening is when an employer wants to know about a candidate’s health history before hiring them. Candidates have a right to withhold information concerning their health from employers. If an employer conducts medical screening on an employee, the Complaints Committee for Pre-employment Medical Examinations (CKA) will investigate. The CKA will issue severe penalties to an employer that doesn’t follow the examination regulations.

Credit history check

Companies conduct thorough checks to gain insight into an employee’s credit history. The Netherlands has a plethora of credit agencies that can help you access an individual’s complete credit report. When you work with experts like Skuad, you can get a summary of financial irregularities or mismanagement.

Education history

Education history screening involves investigating an employee’s academic records to ensure validity. Some applicants lie or exaggerate their credentials, leading to an unfair advantage over other deserving candidates. While performing this check, employers confirm the applicant’s class attendance, GPA, degree, and extracurricular activities for accuracy.

Social media and working with children check

According to research, two out of five employers use social media to determine their ideal candidate for a job. It reveals the non-professional side of a potential employee, which can influence their work output.

Besides social media screening, employers hiring in the children's department run a working with children (WWC) check. In the Netherlands, individuals in child daycare services undergo regular screening. This test helps to avoid hiring individuals who may be a threat to children’s safety.

Processes involved in a background check in the Netherlands

Background checks can help foreign employers in the Netherlands avoid legal trouble. If you would like to commence the background screening in the Netherlands before employing talents, follow this process:

Job application

After advertising the available position in your company, you expect candidates to present a job application. When you receive the application, the resume contains vital information to begin your investigation.

Consulting the blacklist

In the Netherlands, employers wanting to verify their employees will consult a credible blacklist. A blacklist is a collection of individuals you don’t want to associate with, including employees and customers. You can consult other blacklists to know if the candidate appears in them.

Application for the Certificate of Conduct

A declaration or certificate of conduct (verklaring omtrent het gedrag) is a document that states that an employee has a clean criminal record. This document is for companies hiring in specific positions. However, it is mandatory for teaching, taxi driving, and childcare jobs. This certificate shows that the employee is clear of charges and fit to work.

Article 88 of the EU GDPR compliance

Article 88 of the EU GDPR compliance deals with processing employee personal data for employment. It is an attempt to safeguard the rights of employees to their private information. Although this rule covers EU member states, each country can apply it in ways that suit their system. Business owners in EU member states must comply with these regulations as part of their corporate identity.

Are employee background checks legal in the Netherlands?

Background checks are legal in the Netherlands. However, there are limitations to the types of reviews permitted and how to conduct them. Besides exceptional cases, employers cannot seek the candidate’s personal information irrelevant to the job offer.

Planning to hire in the Netherlands? Here’s how Skuad can help

If you're a global employer planning to hire employees in the Netherlands you should be prepared to use international background screenings to check prospective employees' financial, criminal, educational, and employment histories. You can avail background check services on Skuad by making us your EOR partner.

Processing background checks in the Netherlands can lead to unique complications, as you will be expected to comply with local laws and regulations.

With Skuad as your Employer of Record partner, you can easily manage all aspects of the hiring and employment processes, including navigating the process of running background checks in the Netherlands. Book a demo to get started!

FAQs

How to do a background check in the Netherlands?

Start by preparing a clear job description. Once you receive an application, you may search the internet for public information on the candidate. Next, consult a blacklist to know if the applicant is on it. Ask the applicant for a declaration of conduct if one doesn’t exist for the role.

Do Dutch companies do background checks?

Background checks are standard among Dutch companies. Employers in the Netherlands conduct background checks on prospective employees during the hiring process. Similarly, they carry out background screening on existing employees long after the hiring period. However, companies in Holland must be careful to follow the EU’s General Data Protection guidelines to comply with labor laws.

What is pre-employment screening in the Netherlands?

Pre-employment screening in the Netherlands is a background check where local employers investigate a candidate’s criminal, financial, personal, and professional records before hiring them. While background checks may occur before or during employment, pre-employment screening precedes work.

Can immigration do a background check?

The Netherlands immigration ensures that foreigners moving temporarily or permanently do not pose a security threat. Background checks for foreigners seeking employment in the Netherlands are unique. This EU powerhouse permits foreigners with a criminal record to migrate for work purposes. They allow applicants to come clean about their criminal history.

Individuals with a criminal record must sign an antecedent certificate and submit it with their residence permit application. Employers are only permitted to keep a record of this certificate if signed by the employee.

How do employers approach employment background checks?

Usually, employers approach this review based on the employment information on the candidate’s resume. The soon-to-be employer will contact the previous employers, usually by phone. During the conversation, they ask about the candidate’s role, work approach, deliverables, and personality. They may also ask about the reason for terminating the employment contract. If they get positive responses, it might influence the employer’s decision.