Voice of Business Blog

Guest post from Greater Rochester Chamber member TES Staffing

---

When you’re hiring, you’re not just filling a job — you’re bringing a person into your workplace community. That means trust matters. Safety matters. Team dynamics matter. The way people show up for each other matters. And because of that, background checks have become a standard part of the hiring process for many employers across Greater Rochester.

But even though background checks are common, they’re also one of the least understood steps in the hiring journey. Employers often have questions:

• What are we actually allowed to look at? 
• How much should a past mistake impact someone’s future? 
• What’s required by law versus what’s just “nice to know”? 
• How do we stay fair — and still protect our workplace? 

These questions aren’t small. They affect people’s livelihoods, your organization’s culture, and the values your business stands for. So let’s break this down in a way that’s clear, practical, and human.

Why Background Checks Matter

A background check isn’t about “catching” someone. It’s about making informed decisions. People bring their stories, strengths, and experiences to work — and employers want to know they’re choosing someone who will help their team function smoothly and safely.

In workplaces where staff interact with vulnerable populations, handle confidential information, manage inventory, or support safety-sensitive tasks, background checks can be a critical layer of protection. They can help ensure that the people you’re hiring are prepared to meet the expectations of the role in a trustworthy way.

But the purpose of a background check should always be clarity — not punishment.

We’re Hiring Humans — and Humans Have Histories

If we’re being honest, many candidates have something in their past they’re not proud of. Mistakes, setbacks, second chances — these are part of the human experience. Rochester is a city full of people who have grown, learned, rebuilt, and showed up stronger than before.

The goal is not to eliminate candidates who have history — it’s to understand whether:

• The history is relevant 
• The candidate has grown and taken accountability 
• The person’s character and behavior today match what your workplace needs 

A past mistake does not automatically equal a poor hire.

In fact, many of the hardest-working, most loyal employees are the ones who have rebuilt their lives and are deeply committed to doing things differently.

This is where thoughtful, fair hiring practices matter.

Fairness Isn’t Just Kind — It’s Smart

When background checks are used thoughtfully, they help employers hire with clarity and compassion.

When used rigidly, they can cause organizations to miss out on excellent people.

The goal is balance:
Protect your team.
Protect your culture.
But don’t close the door on someone who has done the work to grow.

In New York State — and especially in Monroe County — there are clear guidelines around this. Employers are encouraged (and sometimes required) to consider:

• How long ago the event occurred 
• How severe or relevant it is to the job 
• Evidence of rehabilitation 
• Character references 
• Work performance since the event 

The emphasis? Context matters.

So What Should Employers Actually Be Looking At?

This varies by industry, but many Rochester employers focus on:

• Confirmation of identity and employment history 
• Criminal background checks (where legally appropriate) 
• Credential and certification verification 
• Reference checks 

But here’s the key:

The check should match the responsibility of the role, not exceed it.

For example:

• A finance role may require financial history review. 
• A school support role may require child safety clearance. 
• A warehouse job may not need the same level of review as healthcare. 

Thoughtful hiring is not one-size-fits-all.

Transparency Helps Everyone

The best hiring outcomes happen when expectations are clear. Let candidates know:

• What parts of the background check will be reviewed 
• When the check will occur 
• How findings will be discussed 
• That they have the opportunity to explain context 

This lowers anxiety, supports dignity, and leads to honest conversations — which are the foundation of trust.

Where TES Comes In

At TES Staffing, we’ve supported hiring across Monroe County and the Greater Rochester region for over 15 years. We know that background checks are just one piece of the story — and that no one should be reduced to a single chapter of their life.

Our approach is rooted in:

• Treating people with respect throughout the process 
• Looking at character and contribution, not just paperwork 
• Helping employers make decisions they feel confident about 
• Ensuring compliance and fairness along the way 

We also stay up to date on New York State hiring laws and best practices, so employers don’t have to navigate it alone.

Because the goal isn’t to simply fill a position — it’s to help teams grow in a healthy, sustainable way.

Hiring is one of the most significant decisions an organization makes. And it becomes even more meaningful when we remember that behind every resume is a person — someone who has lived, tried, learned, overcome, and is showing up again.

Background checks are useful, yes. But they are part of the picture — not the whole story.

When we use them thoughtfully, we build workplaces that are not only stronger, but more human.

And that’s good for business.
But more importantly — it’s good for Rochester.