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Understanding the Term "Bondable"
Many job application forms ask, “Are you bondable?” Being bondable means that a person is able to be insured by the hiring company so that in the event of theft or loss by the employee the company is insured for the value of the loss. The process requires several checks, namely background (criminal record) and credit checks.
Why Employers Ask If You're Bondable
A company wanting to hire in certain departments will usually ask if the candidate is bondable. Such jobs include:
- Positions requiring that employees handle sensitive or valuable company information/data
- Employment that involves the direct handling of cash
- Jobs that involve the use of client financial information (credit card/banking information)
- Client representative positions or service jobs requiring interaction with customers
- Work in the vulnerable sector
- Financial services and banking institutions
This list shows the extreme diversity of employers who have an interest in asking the question “are you bondable?”
Implications of a Criminal Record
Another, more discreet reason for asking the question is a result of limits placed on the employer regarding asking questions in regard to criminal records. If you have any sort of criminal record, you must answer “no” to the question “are you bondable.” The reason is that, when the company wanting to hire you tries to get you bonded, the insuring company will complete a background check. If a criminal record comes back with any prior conviction, you will be declined the bond and will probably face repercussions from the employer.
The Rise of Bondability Checks
Companies are increasingly using the “bondability check” to screen applicants for criminal records. This follows on the increasing use of criminal record checks by employers in all industries throughout Canada.
A Solution for Canadians
The solution for Canadians who are faced with the difficulty of getting around the “are you bondable” question is to apply for a Canadian pardon. A pardon from the Parole Board of Canada will effectively seal your criminal record. As a result, when a background check is completed by the insurance company, it will see a clear record. This would result in a significantly larger scope of potential employment prospects for the 13% of Canadians living with a criminal record. Take a step towards improving your future; apply for a Canadian Pardon today.
