What is a vetting process?

Screener questions. Screener questions are one method employers can use for the vetting process. These questions are normally attached to a job posting, and the prospective candidate must answer the answers before they can apply.

These questions can help employers determine if candidates have the skills, experience, and knowledge needed for a specific role.

Assessment tests. Assessment tests can come in many different types. This depends on the job opening and the industry it is in.

These exams might test a candidate's knowledge or skills in many different areas, such as computer literacy, language, math, on-the-job skills, or highly technical fields like coding and software development. This helps employers to narrow down their applicants.

Job interviews. Job interviews are one of the key elements of the vetting process. Here are some common job interview formats:

• Phone interviews. Phone interviews are normally the first step in the interview process for employers. They might feature a range of different types of questions for job candidates.

• In-person interviews. In-person interviews are usually conducted by employers when they select job candidates based on their resumes and preceding phone interviews.

• Technical interviews. Some employers utilize technical interviews for positions that deal with technology, such as software engineers, IT professionals, data scientists, and many others.

Work sample. A work sample is an example of a finished product that a job candidate provides to their potential employer during the interview and hiring process phase.

The hiring manager, recruiter, or interviewer then judges the work sample based on predetermined criteria. This helps the potential employer know if the candidate is qualified and fits the role.

Background checks. Many companies employ a third-party organization to perform a background check on a job candidate. Background checks can also come in several different forms. The common information sought through a background check includes:

• Criminal history

• Employment histories

• Education verifications

A background check for an employer in the United States can cost anywhere from $10 to $500. The price of a background check depends on the specific elements contained within the background check.

Contacting references. Employers also often use the method of contacting a candidate's references as part of the vetting process.

This is when an employer reaches out to relevant parties connected to the candidate that can vouch for their experience, skills, work ethic, education, or other defining features. References might include past employers, colleagues, or college professors.

Drug tests. Drug tests can be another component in the vetting process. However, these have become less popular as of late. Many employers who use them hire a third-party company to do a drug screening on a candidate.

This is meant to detect any illegal substance use. Employers in fields with strict safety protocols often use this method to vet job candidates.