What is an Employee Background Check?

An employee background check is a process used by employers to verify a candidate’s credentials and assess potential risks associated with hiring them. These checks can include reviewing criminal records, verifying employment and education history, checking credit reports, and more. Conducting thorough background checks helps ensure workplace safety, protect company assets, and maintain compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• For example, imagine a small accounting firm hiring a new bookkeeper. Without a proper background check, they may unknowingly bring on an employee with a history of financial fraud or over-extended personal credit putting the business and its clients at risk.
• Similarly, a daycare center hiring a childcare provider would want to verify past employment, education credentials, and any criminal history to ensure the safety of the children in their care.

Beyond mitigating risks, background checks also help businesses build a team of reliable, qualified professionals.

• A thorough employment verification process can confirm a candidate’s past job experience, ensuring they truly have the skills and expertise they claim.
• Education verification is particularly important for positions requiring specialized knowledge, such as healthcare or engineering roles, where unqualified hires could lead to legal and operational issues.

Edify Background Screening specializes in providing small and medium-sized businesses with comprehensive, customizable background check services tailored to their hiring needs. Unlike larger, ultra high-volume background check companies, Edify offers personalized service with a dedicated account manager and live, US-based customer support.

How to Run a Background Check on an Employee

Conducting a background check involves several key steps:

1. Develop a Background Check Policy: Establish clear guidelines outlining which checks are required for specific roles and ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
2. Obtain Candidate Consent: Inform candidates about the background check process and obtain their written consent before proceeding.
3. Choose the Appropriate Screening Services: Select background check services relevant to the position, such as criminal history, employment verification, or credit checks.Example Roles and Recommended Background Checks:
   • Financial Analyst (Handling sensitive financial data)
     • Criminal History Check
     • Employment Verification
     • Education Verification (Degree in finance/accounting required)
     • Credit Check (Assess financial responsibility)
     • Professional License Verification (If applicable)
   • Delivery Driver (Operating company vehicles)
     • Criminal History Check
     • Motor Vehicle Records (Driving history and violations)
     • Employment Verification
     • Drug Screening (Ensure compliance with safety regulations)
4. Partner with a Reputable Background Check Provider: Choosing the right provider can make all the difference. With Edify Background Screening, businesses receive customized screening solutions at affordable prices, without the high-pressure sales tactics of large corporate providers.
5. Review and Interpret the Results: Assess the findings in the context of the job requirements and make informed hiring decisions.

What is a 7-Year County Criminal Background Check?

A 7-year county criminal background check involves searching for criminal records within specific counties where the candidate has lived or worked over the past seven years. This type of check provides detailed information about any felony or misdemeanor convictions within that timeframe.

While many background screening providers offer nationwide database searches, these databases are often incomplete, outdated, or missing key records due to reporting gaps.

• Relying solely on a nationwide database search may result in missed criminal records that exist at the county level but have not been aggregated into broader reporting systems.
• County-level searches, on the other hand, provide direct access to court records where cases were filed and adjudicated, offering the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

For example, if a candidate recently moved from another state, a nationwide database search may not include their most recent criminal record if the new jurisdiction has not yet uploaded its case information. However, a county search in the jurisdiction where the candidate lived or worked will reveal any relevant charges or convictions that may impact hiring decisions. This level of diligence is particularly important for positions involving financial responsibilities, direct customer interactions, interaction with vulnerable populations, or access to sensitive business assets.

Edify Background Screening ensures that these reports are accurate and FCRA-compliant, helping small and medium-sized businesses make informed hiring decisions while avoiding the pitfalls of incomplete or unreliable data sources.

How Not to Waste Money on Background Checks

To maximize the value of background checks without unnecessary expenses:

• Tailor Screenings to the Position: Only request checks relevant to the job’s responsibilities. For example, a driving record check is essential for a delivery driver but unnecessary for an office administrator.
• Be Wary of One-Size-Fits-All Packages: Many background screening providers offer only three tiers—low, mid, and high—forcing businesses to choose between under-screening or overpaying for unnecessary services. This approach often leads to inflated costs for background checks that are not relevant to your specific hiring needs.
• Choose a Provider That Offers Customization: Edify Background Screening takes a different approach. We take the time to understand your business and the unique requirements of each role, ensuring that you get the exact background checks you need—nothing more, nothing less. This tailored approach prevents businesses from overpaying for broad, pre-set packages that don’t align with their actual hiring needs.
• Use a Reputable Background Check Provider: Partnering with Edify Background Screening ensures accuracy, compliance, and affordability, avoiding the costly mistakes that can come from automated or impersonal services.
• Stay Updated on Legal Requirements: Understanding and adhering to federal and state regulations can prevent legal issues and associated costs. Edify Background Screening helps businesses navigate these complexities with expert support.

By partnering with Edify Background Screening, businesses can reduce costs while maintaining a rigorous and compliant hiring process. Instead of being locked into restrictive package tiers, you receive a fully customized solution built around the roles you’re hiring for—saving you money and ensuring you get the insights that matter most.

Can I Run a Background Check on an Existing Employee?

Yes, employers can conduct background checks on current employees, especially when considering them for promotions or transfers to sensitive positions. However, it’s crucial to have a clear policy in place and obtain the employee’s consent before proceeding. Edify Background Screening can assist businesses in establishing compliant re-screening policies.

What Background Check Do Most Employers Use?

Most ultra-high-volume background screening providers force employers into using pre-configured, “canned” background check packages that may or may not fit the unique needs of your business. These rigid packages often contain unnecessary screenings that drive up costs or, worse, leave out critical checks required for certain roles.

At Edify Background Screening, we take a different approach. Instead of forcing businesses into a one-size-fits-all model, we collaborate with employers to build screening packages that make sense for their organization. Our experts take the time to understand the positions you are hiring for and ensure that the background checks performed are relevant, compliant, and cost-effective.

Most employers utilize a combination of the following background checks:

• Criminal History Checks: To identify any past criminal behavior.
• Employment Verification: To confirm previous job titles, duties, and durations.
• Education Verification: To validate academic credentials.
• Credit Checks: Particularly for roles involving financial responsibilities.
• Driving Records: For positions requiring driving as part of the job.

Edify Background Screening offers all of these services in customized packages designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, ensuring you only pay for the services that truly matter for your specific hiring needs.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Background Check?

The cost of background checks varies based on the depth and scope of the screening:

• Basic Checks: Including criminal history, typically start at $18 to $25.
• Criminal Checks with County and Statewide Searches: Depending on the number of counties and states involved, these packages typically range from $25 to $50.
• Comprehensive Checks: Packages that include education, employment, and credential verifications typically start at $50 and up, depending on the search criteria required.

Edify Background Screening offers affordable pricing structures without requiring long-term contracts, making it an ideal choice for small and growing businesses.

Can I Run My Own Employment Background Check?

While individuals can conduct personal background checks on themselves to verify information, employers must use compliant background check providers to ensure accuracy and legal adherence. Edify Background Screening provides employer-focused solutions that meet regulatory requirements while delivering comprehensive results.

What is a Red Flag in a Background Check?

Red flags in a background check may include:

• Discrepancies: Mismatched information between the candidate’s resume and the background check results.
• Criminal Records: Relevant convictions that could impact job performance or safety.
• Poor Credit History: Significant financial issues, especially for roles involving financial responsibilities.
• Negative References: Unfavorable feedback from previous employers.

Edify Background Screening provides guidance on interpreting results and implementing fair hiring practices when reviewing background reports.

What is the Best Background Check Site?

For large multinational corporations processing thousands of background checks per month, providers like GoodHire, Checkr, and First Advantage offer high-volume services. However, these providers often prioritize speed and automation over personalized service, making it difficult for small and medium-sized businesses to get the tailored support they need.

For businesses seeking high-quality, customized screening solutions, Edify Background Screening is the best choice. Unlike larger private-equity-backed companies that rely on automated platforms and impersonal service, Edify offers:

• Customized background check packages designed for the specific needs of small and mid-sized businesses.
• Live, US-based customer support, ensuring that you can speak to a real person when you need help.
• Dedicated account managers for every client, providing a real point of contact who understands your business needs.

By choosing Edify Background Screening, businesses can expect high-quality, personalized service without unnecessary costs or high-pressure sales tactics. Whether you’re hiring your first employee or expanding your workforce, Edify ensures that your background screening process is thorough, compliant, and hassle-free.