Even if previous employers limit the information to just start date, end date and job title, that is still invaluable. The primary purpose is to confirm an applicant's whereabouts for the past five to seven years and to make certain there are no unexplained gaps in employment. By knowing where a person has been, an employer limits the possibility that an applicant spent time in custody for a criminal offense. It also assists an employer in determining what jurisdictions to search for criminal records. This is important because there is no such thing as a national criminal record search for most employers.
Employers can only obtain criminal records by searching individual courthouses.
Since there are more than 10,000 courthouses in America, it is important to know where to look. Of course, an uninterrupted work history does not guarantee a lack of a criminal record. Some jurisdictions allow jail sentences to be served on weekends or through a work furlough program where a prisoner is released during working hours. However, when done in conjunction with all the other steps, checking past references is a vital part of the program. Obtain a listing of all past addresses.