As much as every employer would like to take the word of every candidate, in this day and age, it’s better to have a verification system in place. Unfortunately, applicants misrepresenting themselves in an interview or falsifying a resume has become all too common practice. The most fool-proof way for employers to ensure that they are hiring qualified candidates that pose little to no risk to their company or organization is to perform regular background screens.
What is background screening?
A background screen is usually run by a background screening company to verify that who you see in the interview is actually who they are in person. A background screen is used to vet candidates for housing, career and volunteer opportunities. Depending on what is needed, sources may include public records, law enforcement, credit bureaus, medical sanctions, social media and previous employers.
Why are they important?
When you are hiring for a company or organization, it is important to take into account every possible risk. Candidates looking for a position, whether for employment or volunteer, may not always be fully honest when applying. Background checks ensure that employers have accurate information about each applicant so they are able to make the best possible decision . Background screens can help avoid issues in the future like theft, harassment and other criminal behavior that may cause safety concerns.
What type of information can an employer receive?
Depending on what the employer needs, a background check could offer information on criminal history, education verifications, employment history, medical sanctions, driving records, drug use, credit reports, and social media. Not every employer is interested in all of this information. Also, some federal and state regulations may determine what is accessible in regards to credit reports and criminal history. For this reason, Superior Screening Solutions customizes our background screening packages so each employer gets the information they need and nothing else.
How far back do background screenings look?
Pre-employment and volunteer screenings typically cover seven years. However, some states may allow longer lookback periods for certain types of records.
What causes a red flag on a background check?
It is the employer that is responsible for determining whether or not an applicant meets their hiring standards. However, some typical “red flag” items of concern that may return on a background check include criminal convictions, failed drug tests, traffic violations, poor credit scores, unverified education or professional license and inconsistencies in employment history. Any employment decision taken as a result of a negative background screen must be job-related and based on business necessity. Employers should consult with EEOC guidance on using criminal history information in making hiring decisions to help ensure they do not disproportionately screen out protected individuals.
How long does a background check take?
A background check can take as little as 1-2 days to as much as a week or longer depending on the information being gathered. Superior Screening Solutions has a fast turnaround in most cases. However, many delays could be due to court or agency backlogs and national holidays.
What to look for when choosing a background screening service
It is possible to vet your candidates on your own, however, you may not get the results you need in a quick timeframe. When researching potential partners, it’s best to start with reputable third-party providers that specialize specifically in background screening services. Finding a service provider will help reduce the chance of error as well as save time and money overall. Top things to search for would be:
- Federal, state and local regulatory compliance – Including EEOC & FCRA guidelines
- Strict data privacy and security procedures
- Customizations that allow companies to meet industry requirements without paying for information they don’t need
- Transparent pricing structure without hidden fees
- Great customer service – able to contact them at any time.
Researching a background screening company to partner with can be overwhelming. More than anything, you need to find a company you feel like you can trust. Want to know more about background screens? Our Superior expert are transparent, personable and very knowledgeable. They would be happy to answer any questions and give you all the information you need to make an educated decision.
