As competition stiffens in the job market, standards are rising, and employers are more vigilant about who they are adding to their team. As such, screening potential employees for drug use is crucial for identifying those who might pose a risk to the company.
Depending on the employer and the job role, you might have to undergo a pre-employment drug test done using drug screening panels during hiring. Although using generic drugs like painkillers might not be a big deal, it can pose serious consequences to users who are addicted.
If you are looking for employment, you need to be knowledgeable about pre-employment drug tests. There are many things to know about the process, and some will surprise you. Here are five things you need to know about pre-employment drug tests.
What is a Pre-Employment Drug Test?
A pre-employment drug test is a type of drug test conducted by employers on job applicants. Large companies or government agencies mainly use drug tests as part of their drug policy. The goal is to screen the candidates for the possible use of illegal drugs such as eth, cocaine, marijuana, and more.
Pre-employment drug testing may involve the use of one or more tests. The common tests are saliva, urine, and blood tests. Each test detects the presence of certain substances, but some, like urine tests, might not detect most drugs. So, the type of test used depends on the substance your employer is looking for.
How Long Does a Pre-Employment Drug Test Take?
Pre-employment drug tests vary in how long they take to conduct as it depends on the type of test being used. The urine, saliva, and blood tests are the most common. Blood tests are often the quickest and take a few minutes to complete. On the other hand, urine tests may take hours, while saliva tests are the slowest and might take days to complete.
However, since accuracy varies with different tests, a company may use more sensitive tests, taking longer to get results. But most companies try to make the processes as fast and painless as possible, with some tests only taking seconds. For others, results can be available on the same day for a few days.
Why Do Companies Conduct Pre-Employment Drug Tests?
Companies perform pre-employment drug tests for various reasons. The main reason is to pick the best-fit candidates for the job. This is especially true for roles such as accountancy that require the candidate to be drug-free. It also helps to catch unstable candidates when filling positions that involve contact with children or vulnerable persons.
Companies must ensure only mature and responsible people are added to their team. Employees with destructive behaviors can ruin the company image, destroy company assets, harm customers, and are a risk to fellow employees.
What Does a Pre-Employment Drug Test Look For?
All pre-employment drug tests usually look for signs of medical prescriptions abuse or illegal substances use. They include marijuana, opioids, phencyclidine/PCP, cocaine, methamphetamines/amphetamines, etc.
The substance being tested determines the test to be used. A urine test might be more effective in detecting the presence of marijuana, while blood may be ideal in detecting traces of cocaine.
However, it’s essential to know that some employers don’t enforce strict policies on cannabis in states where they are legal. But some companies have strict policies even in states where the use of the substance is permitted by the law. So, you want to research your potential employer’s policies first before showing up for an interview.
How To Prepare For A Pre-Employment Drug Test
The best way to prepare for a pre-employment drug test is to avoid illegal substances as much as possible. This not only gives you a better chance of passing the test, but it also shows employers that you are willing and able to work without using marijuana or any other substances.
It’s also a good idea to be aware of the type of drug test that you’re getting. Many drug tests are designed to be stress-free, so it’s important not to worry about them too much. This can help you to relax and focus on the task at hand. It’s also good to research the company and its drug-testing policies before applying.
There’s no way to cheat a pre-employment drug test. Anyone who tells you this isn’t telling you the truth. You can, however, prepare yourself for the test using these tips:
- Know what a drug test looks for.
- Before applying for a job, research the company and the position you’re applying for.
- Keep away from drug abuse.
Conclusion
Drug use is a considerable concern in society. Many people feel safer with a drug-free workforce. This is why many companies conduct pre-employment drug tests. Pre-employment drug testing can help employers screen potential employees for substance use, which might help them feel more confident about hiring a candidate who exhibits professionalism and a positive work ethic.
This article should help you get past this intimidating hiring stage if you are new to pre-employment drug tests. Before applying for a job, always do your research and look for any signs of drug tests during hiring. This will help you avoid falling into the trap of using drugs while looking for work, which will only complicate the process and make it more difficult to find a job.
