In ban the box states, an employer can no longer ask a job application about his or her prior (or presumed ongoing) criminal history.

Without the ability now to ask about criminal history, the applicant you hire might be a big risk, to you, your employees and your customers.

Today, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and many states, and even municipal governments view the use of background checks as an unfair hurdle to those with prior convictions trying to re-enter the work force.

All this can get rather confusing for anyone who infrequently navigates these matters.

For a quick view of the new necessary guidelines, click to download “Suggested Background Check Policy and Procedures.”

Click to read the complete story.