As safety professionals, you no doubt urge your employees, friends and family members to drive safely. This is wise advice; but just how wise it is might surprise even you. All of us need to take it easy behind the wheel. If we don’t, we could be headed for a wreck--not just on the roads but in our careers.

Driving Record as a Reflection of Character

"I hire character, and the motor vehicle report tells me a lot about character."

That's how Barry Nadell, senior vice president with Kroll Background Screening, sums up his approach to hiring at the executive and management level. Barry’s attitude is typical of other business leaders. It’s become common for employers and recruiters to conduct rigorous background checks on potential recruits.

The motor vehicle report is a big part of the background check. Along with searching for a criminal history, the Social Security Trace and reference checking, looking at the motor vehicle record constitutes one-quarter of what has emerged as the standard four-corner background check used in the corporate world to screen the character of job candidates.

What Your Driving Record Says About You

One reason motor vehicle reports are so commonly used is that you can get them instantly in at least 40 states. The motor vehicle report is also a repository of key information. For example, employers can use it to confirm the candidate's date of birth.

More importantly, a candidate’s compliance with motor vehicle laws is a direct reflection of character. Employers are looking for red flags like DUI arrests, unpaid traffic tickets, failures to appear in court, possession of drugs, accidents and violations, arrests and outstanding warrants for the individual’s arrest. Of course, felony DUI charges may also uncover charges relating to manslaughter and other serious charges.

Conclusion

Getting jobs in corporate America nowadays requires a demonstration not only of professional skills but character. Driving record is seen as a reflection of character. Thus, the candidate’s motor vehicle record and history of compliance with motor vehicle laws is a matter of careful scrutiny for many corporate positions. And it is of particular importance if the position being sought is one that entails responsibility over the health and safety of others.

Wishing you career success and care on the roads,
Lauryn Franzoni
ExecuNet, www.execunet.com

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