What does the phrase "for employment purposes" in the definition of a consumer report include?

The phrase "for employment purposes" in the context of consumer reports encompasses a broad range of activities related to an individual's employment. This includes making hiring decisions, where potential employers assess a candidate's background and qualifications; making firing decisions, which involves evaluating an employee's performance or behavior that may lead to termination; and making decisions regarding promotions, where an employer judges an employee's suitability for advancement based on a consumer report.

By including all of these activities under the umbrella of "for employment purposes," the definition underscores the significant role that consumer reports can play throughout various stages of an individual's employment lifecycle. This helps ensure that employers are using consumer reports not just as a tool for initial hiring, but also for ongoing employment-related decisions. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and for maintaining fair employment practices.