Every organization wants to make the right choices and BGV is necessary for every step of the hiring process. However, the BGV process can differ significantly for white-collar and blue-collar employees.
The process and the specific checks involved in the white and blue collar can vary based on the nature of their work but the ultimate goal remains the same. Now, let’s delve deeper into the distinct requirements for these two employee categories.
Who are white-collar employees?
White-collar employees are the professionals who usually work in offices, utilizing their knowledge, skills, and expertise to carry out tasks that are non-manual in nature. They are the ones you typically picture in business attire, working in corporate environments. White-collar professionals include a variety of roles such as executives, managers, accountants, consultants, lawyers, and engineers. They often hold higher educational qualifications and are responsible for decision-making, analysis, and strategic planning within their organizations.
Who are blue-collar employees?
Blue-collar employees, on the other hand, are the backbone of industries and are primarily involved in manual labor. They are the ones who roll up their sleeves, put on work boots, and engage in tasks that require physical effort and technical skills. Sectors like manufacturing, construction, transportation, agriculture, and skilled trades most consist of blue-collar workers. They include construction workers, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, factory operators, truck drivers, and others who play a vital role in building infrastructure, producing goods, and delivering essential services.
It’s important to recognize that both white-collar and blue-collar employees contribute to the overall functioning of an organization, each bringing their unique set of skills and expertise to the table.
Difference between the BGV process of white collar and blue collar employees.
The process for white-collar and blue-collar employees can differ in terms of the specific checks carried out for the BGV process. Here are some key differences:
Education and Professional Certifications:
For white-collar employees, verifying educational qualifications and professional certifications is crucial. Employers often validate degrees, diplomas, and specialized training programs to ensure the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge and expertise for the job. This helps establish their credibility and competence in their respective fields. On the other hand, blue-collar employees may not require extensive educational qualifications, so the focus may shift more toward verifying vocational training, licenses, or any relevant certifications specific to their trade.
Employment History and References:
Employers pay close attention to the candidate’s employment history. Job titles, roles, responsibilities, and tenure with previous employers are all verified. Candidate’s experience, track record, and reference checks from former supervisors or colleagues are also conducted. This helps to gather insights into the candidate’s work ethic, teamwork, and professional conduct. For blue-collar employees, while employment history is still relevant, the emphasis may be more on validating the candidate’s hands-on experience, practical skills, and performance in previous roles.
Criminal Records and Financial Checks:
Background verification for white-collar employees often includes thorough checks on criminal records. Companies also make sure the candidate has no history of fraudulent activities, embezzlement, or any other offenses. Such offenses can pose a serious risk to the organization. Financial checks, such as credit history and bankruptcy records, may also be conducted, particularly for positions involving financial responsibilities. On the other hand, while criminal record checks are still important for blue-collar employees, the focus may be more on ensuring the candidate has a clean record related to violence, theft, or substance abuse, as these factors can impact workplace safety.
Drug Testing and Medical Screening:
White-collar employees may undergo drug testing and medical screenings for certain safety-sensitive positions. This is to ensure the candidate is physically fit to perform the job duties and does not pose a risk to themselves or others. Blue-collar employees also go through extensive drug testing and thorough medical examination. Workers operating heavy machinery or working in hazardous environments, often undergo these tests. These tests ensure that these workers can carry out their duties without compromising workplace safety.
By tailoring the background verification process to the specific needs of white-collar and blue-collar employees, organizations can effectively assess the suitability, integrity, and reliability of candidates, ensuring a safer and more productive work environment.
BGV checks made for white-collar employees
Background verification of white-collar employees involves several key checks to ensure the credibility of the candidates. Here are some of the key checks conducted specifically for white-collar employees:
Key checks involved:
Educational Qualifications: Verifying the educational background of white-collar employees is essential. This includes validating degrees, diplomas, certifications, and institutions attended. It helps confirm that the candidate possesses the required educational qualifications and specialized knowledge for the role.
Employment History: Checking the employment history of white-collar employees is crucial to establish their professional track record. This involves verifying past job titles, roles, responsibilities, and tenure with previous employers. It helps assess the candidate’s experience, consistency, and growth trajectory in their career.
Reference Checks: Reference checks evaluate the character, work ethic, and professionalism of white-collar employees. Speaking to former supervisors, colleagues, or mentors provides valuable insights into the candidate’s abilities, teamwork skills, and overall suitability for the role.
Professional Certifications and Licenses: Validating professional certifications and licenses specific to the industry or field of work is important for white-collar employees. This ensures that the candidate possesses the necessary qualifications and skills to perform their job responsibilities effectively.
Criminal Record Checks: Conducting thorough criminal record checks is vital for white-collar employees, especially for positions that involve handling sensitive information, financial transactions, or client interactions. It helps identify any history of fraud, embezzlement, or other criminal activities that could potentially pose risks to the organization.
BGV checks made for blue-collar employees
Background verification (BGV) for blue-collar employees involves specific checks that are tailored to their roles and industry requirements. Here are some key checks conducted specifically for blue-collar employees:
Key checks involved:
Skills and Technical Competency: It is crucial to evaluate the technical skills of blue-collar workers. This includes assessing their proficiency in specific trades or occupations such as welding, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, or operating heavy machinery. Employers may seek proof of vocational training and apprenticeships. Relevant certifications are asked to ensure the candidate has the necessary expertise.
Work Experience and Performance: Checking the work experience and performance of blue-collar employees is important in assessing their suitability for the role. Employers verify previous employment details. These details include job titles, roles, and responsibilities to gain insights into the candidate’s hands-on experience, reliability, and ability to perform the required tasks.
Safety and Compliance Certifications: Certain blue-collar roles involve working in hazardous environments. Therefore, verifying safety certifications, such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) training or other industry-specific safety certifications, is crucial to ensure the candidate is aware of and compliant with safety protocols.
Drug Testing and Medical Screening: Many blue-collar positions require physical stamina and the ability to work in demanding conditions. Hence, drug testing and medical screenings are often conducted to ensure the candidate is fit for the job. Drug testing also checks substance abuse history that could compromise workplace safety.
Driving Records and Licenses: For blue-collar employees involved in transportation or operating company vehicles, verifying driving records and licenses is essential. This includes checking for any traffic violations, accidents, or license suspensions, and ensuring the candidate has a valid and clean driving history.
These key checks help employers assess the technical skills, experience, safety consciousness, and reliability of blue-collar employees, ensuring they are qualified, competent, and suitable for their specific roles and industry requirements
How can IDfy help you simplify the White and Blue collar BGV process?
IDfy offers a range of customized solutions tailored for white-collar and blue-collar employees. IDfy covers most of the above-mentioned checks with industry-leading turnaround time, low amber rates, and high accuracy. IDfy has a combination of conventional and digital cloud-based SaaS solutions that cater to a wide range of use cases.
IDfy conducts deep checks to verify information like employment history, education details, and reference checks for white-collar employees. IDfy has many instant check solutions for blue-collar employees. These checks include ID checks, Court record checks, and Digital Address verification. IDfy’s instant checks are possible through hundreds of API solutions. Some checks like digital address verification have a turnaround time of 1 day.
Conclusion
By recognizing the distinctions between white-collar and blue-collar BGV processes, organizations can effectively evaluate the suitability and reliability of candidates. Employers can make informed decisions to ensure a safer and more productive work environment.
