What checks can I run on a candidate?
We offer 15+ check types. The right mix depends on the role, the sector, and what is legally proportionate. Here is the full menu.
In short: Identity, employment, education, criminal record, references, credit, PEPs and sanctions, adverse media, and several others. The right combination depends on the role and the sector. Build a custom profile or pick a pre-built package.
The full menu
| Check | What it verifies |
|---|---|
| ID check | The person is who they say (document + biometric) |
| Criminal record check | No relevant convictions in the country of residence |
| Dutch VOG (criminal record) | Specifically a Dutch certificate of good conduct |
| Employment verification | Past employer dates and roles confirmed |
| Qualification check | A diploma or degree was actually issued |
| Reference check | Direct contact with a former manager |
| Credit check | Financial reliability for finance roles |
| PEPs and sanctions | Not on global PEP or sanctions lists |
| Adverse media check | No relevant negative news coverage |
| Bankruptcy and insolvency | No current bankruptcy proceedings |
| Integrity check | Combination check covering several integrity dimensions |
You can mix and match in any combination. For complex roles, our team can recommend a package.
What is proportionate
Under GDPR, every check must be relevant to the role. A few examples of what is and is not proportionate:
- A warehouse worker: ID, right-to-work, criminal record check (if relevant to access or stock). Credit and PEPs would not be proportionate.
- A finance director: ID, criminal record, qualifications, references, credit, PEPs, sanctions, adverse media. All proportionate to the responsibilities.
- A junior software engineer: ID, education, reference, possibly criminal record depending on data access. Credit and adverse media probably not proportionate.
If you are unsure, ask. Running unnecessary checks creates GDPR exposure for you and discomfort for the candidate.
International checks
Most checks can be run internationally, with the same verifying-at-source approach. International background checks typically take longer than domestic because we work with accredited local agents per country.
See what an international background check shows for the full international menu.
Related articles
What is a criminal record check?
Verification that a candidate has no convictions relevant to the role they are applying for. In the Netherlands this is called a VOG.
What is pre-employment screening?
A background check run before someone joins your organisation. It verifies the facts on their CV before any offer is finalised.
What is an international background check?
A background check that combines verifications across multiple countries. Useful when candidates have lived, studied, or worked abroad.
