What Do Background Checks Show?

Are you getting the most out of every new hire? Or do you spend too much time on applicants who turn out to be a poor fit? Investigating job candidates is a great way to improve your hiring process.

But if you're thinking about pre-employment screenings, you're probably asking what does a background check consist of. Use this guide to learn everything there is to know about background checks, including how screenings benefit your company.

Why are background checks necessary? 

By investing in the right screening process, you can hire your best talent while saving money and protecting your company's reputation. Background checks provide an extra layer of security. 

And with Hiscox reporting, "small and mid-sized companies continue to be disproportionally victimized by employee theft, representing approximately 68% of cases," it's vital to take preventative measures. Take advantage of key benefits like: 

• Improving your job applicant quality

  By disclosing your screening process in advance, you'll weed out some candidates with something to hide. In return, you can verify degrees, employment histories, and references. 

• Reducing costs from turnover

  According to CareerBuilder, "75% of HR managers have caught a lie on a resume." A background check fills in missing pieces and helps catch inaccuracies before you hire. 

• Decreasing liability risks

  Employers are responsible for knowing the facts about their staff. Use best practices to reduce negligence and liability claims stemming from poor hiring decisions or incorrect screening methods.

• Developing a safe and inclusive workplace culture

  The wrong new hire can tank your staff morale. An employee verification process vets candidates and helps you prevent workplace violence. 

Which background checks are used in your industry?

The types of screenings used vary by industry and job rank. For instance, you may complete a basic check for entry-level staff but require a comprehensive background check for management-level positions. Like transportation, healthcare or education, certain business sectors may also need specific screenings to comply with regulations. These checks often include reviewing the Global Security Watch List and county criminal records. 

Are government resources used for background screenings? 

Government resources are vital to your pre-employment background checks. But, navigating the systems on your own isn't always convenient. Fortunately, background check services handle the bureaucracy, so you don't have to. Screeners typically access: 

• National Criminal Record Database (NCRD)
• Sex Offender Registry
• County Criminal Records
• Global Watch List
• FBI Fingerprint Database 
• Driver's License Verification/Records (MVR)

What regulations should hiring managers be aware of? 

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets rules for applicant screenings. Hiring a new employee is a permissible purpose to request an online background check. However, it's crucial to ensure that your process: 

• Gives each job applicant a standalone disclosure that's easy to understand.
• Gets written authorization to perform a background screening. 
• Follows the FCRA adverse action process.

Find Out What Background Services You Need

Almost 74% of HR managers "say they've hired the wrong person for a position," per CareerBuilder. By investing in screening services, you can avoid major mistakes, save money and protect your company. Explore which type of background check you need by getting started with eKnow ID. 

 eKnowID can help you hire the best job candidates.