1. Compliance with Employment Background Check Laws is Essential

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is the federal law governing background checks used for hiring decisions. Any FCRA-compliant background check provider should follow strict regulations to ensure that reports are accurate, legal, and fair to candidates.

If your provider isn’t FCRA-compliant, you could face lawsuits, fines, or legal trouble for using incorrect or outdated information in your hiring decisions.

Key Questions to Ask:

✅ Does the company ensure that all reports meet FCRA background check regulations?
✅ Do they provide compliant sample background screening disclosure and authorization forms?
✅ Can they guide you on state and local background check laws that apply to your industry?

If a screening provider isn’t transparent about compliance, walk away. You need a partner who keeps your hiring practices legally sound.

2. Accuracy Over Instant Results: Why Fast Isn’t Always Better

Some companies advertise instant background checks for employers, but don’t be fooled. These “instant” reports often come from outdated databases and may not include the most up-to-date criminal records.

A trusted employment background screening provider will:

✔ Verify identity with multiple data points (not just name matching)
✔ Conduct county, state, and federal criminal background checks directly from court records
✔ Follow strict quality assurance procedures to confirm results before reporting them to you

While a quick turnaround is important, accuracy is even more critical. A cheap background check service for small businesses might save you a few dollars up front, but an inaccurate report could cost you much more in legal fees or bad hires.

3. What Does the Background Check Include? Look for Comprehensive Screening Services

Not all employee background check packages are created equal. Some providers only offer basic criminal history checks, while others provide a full suite of services.

Depending on your industry and the types of roles you’re hiring for, you may need additional pre-employment screening services such as:

• Criminal background checks for employment (county, state, federal, and global searches)
• Employment and education verification to confirm work history and degrees
• Driving record checks (MVR reports) for jobs requiring vehicle operation
• Credential and Professional license verification for roles requiring specialized training and certifications.
• Drug testing services for employers for safety-sensitive positions
• Credit history checks for employment in financial roles

A comprehensive background check provider should offer customizable screening packages to fit your business needs.

4. Candidate Experience: A Smooth Process for Your Applicants

A background check is often the last step before making a hiring decision. If the screening provider makes the process confusing or slow, you risk losing great candidates to competitors.

Look for an employment background check service that:

✔ Offers a mobile-friendly platform where candidates can easily submit their information
✔ Provides clear instructions and estimated timelines for results
✔ Sends automated updates so applicants know where they stand in the process

A professional background screening company for business should make your life easier, not harder. A smooth, candidate-friendly process helps keep your hiring pipeline moving without frustrating your applicants.

5. Customizable Packages: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Your business is unique, and so are your hiring needs. Whether you’re a small business needing background checks for hourly employees or a large corporation hiring executives, the best background check provider will offer customizable screening solutions.

A good provider will:
✔ Help you design background check packages for different job roles
✔ Allow you to add or remove services as needed
✔ Offer bulk background checks for companies hiring large groups

Avoid providers that try to sell you a one-size-fits-all background check package that includes things you don’t need.

7. Customer Support: Will They Have Your Back?

Even the best background check companies for employers can run into issues, whether it’s a delayed court search or a candidate dispute over a report. When that happens, you need responsive customer support that can help you navigate the situation.

✔ Do they have live US based customer support with real people (not just chatbots)?
✔ Can they provide guidance if a candidate disputes their results?
✔ Are they easy to reach by phone, support ticket, or email?

A background check provider is more than just a service – they should be a reliable partner in your hiring process.

Final Thoughts: The Best Background Check Provider is the One That Meets Your Needs

Choosing the right background screening company is a critical decision that impacts the quality of your hires and the security of your workplace. By focusing on compliance, accuracy, service options, candidate experience, pricing, and support, you’ll be able to find a trusted employment background screening provider that aligns with your company’s goals.

At Edify Background Screening, we specialize in providing customizable and compliant background check solutions for businesses of all sizes. Whether you need criminal background checks, employment verifications, social media screening, or ongoing monitoring, we’re here to help you hire with confidence.

📞 Want to learn more? Contact us today at 336-283-0237, email to: [email protected], or click below to get started today.