What Background Checks Do Employers Do?

Prospective clients seeking a new background screening provider often ask, “What background checks do employers do?” It’s crucial to select a service that is comprehensive, quick, affordable, and compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and local and state laws. Background checks are a fundamental aspect of the hiring process, allowing employers to make informed decisions by verifying candidate information, protecting the workplace, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

The Importance of Background Checks for Employers

Background checks serve several essential purposes for employers:

Verifying Candidate Information: Confirming the accuracy of qualifications and background information provided by candidates.
Protecting the Workplace: Identifying potential safety risks by screening for individuals with histories of violent or fraudulent behavior.
Ensuring Compliance: Meeting legal and regulatory standards specific to certain industries.

Statistics:

Studies show that over 70% of employers find discrepancies in resumes through background checks.
Implementing comprehensive background checks can significantly reduce the likelihood of future workplace violence.
Organizations that conduct thorough background checks experience a 55% lower turnover rate, indicating the effectiveness of background screening in selecting the right candidates.

How Background Checks Work

Background checks are meticulously designed to meet the specific requirements of different positions, taking into account the level of responsibility and the unique risk characteristics associated with each role:

Consent and Collection of Information: The process begins with obtaining the candidate’s consent, followed by the collection of personal details such as name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Research: Screening providers access a range of public and private records to gather pertinent data, including criminal records, employment and educational histories.
Verification: Key information, especially regarding employment and education, is verified for accuracy through direct contact with former employers and educational institutions.
Compilation of Report: A detailed report is prepared, summarizing the findings for the employer.

Common Components of a Typical Background Check

Social Security Trace: Validates the candidate’s identity and Social Security number, and traces their address history.
Criminal Records Check: Identifies any criminal history across county, state, and federal levels.
Employment Verification: Confirms details of past employment, including job titles and tenure.
Education Verification: Checks the validity of degrees and certifications claimed.
Credit History Check: Reviews credit behavior, crucial for financially responsible roles.
Motor Vehicle Records (MVR): Examines driving history, important for positions requiring driving.

Tailoring Background Screening Programs

Background screening is not one-size-fits-all. Programs are developed to align with the specific needs of each position, considering the industry, job responsibilities, and inherent risks. This tailored approach ensures that employers receive relevant and accurate information to support sound hiring decisions.

How Far Back Does a Background Check Go?

The lookback period for a background check varies, generally spanning 7 to 10 years for criminal records, though this can differ based on state laws and the nature of the search.

What Typically Shows Up in the Results

Background check results can include a broad spectrum of information, from identity verification and clean criminal records to discrepancies in employment history, education, and driving records, depending on the depth of the search conducted.

Conclusion

For organizations pondering “What background checks do employers do?” it’s evident that a comprehensive approach, considering various components like criminal history, employment and education verification, credit history, and motor vehicle records, is vital. EDIFY Background Screening stands ready as a qualified partner, offering the expertise and technology to execute background investigations efficiently and affordably.

We encourage prospective clients to explore the possibilities with EDIFY Background Screening. Our commitment to accuracy, compliance, and customer satisfaction ensures that your screening process is handled with the utmost professionalism. Contact us at 336-283-0237 or visit www.edifyscreening.com to learn more about tailoring a background check program to meet your specific needs.

By Zia Rhodes|2024-08-22T15:52:36-04:00February 29th, 2024|WHAT|Comments Off

About the Author: Zia Rhodes

Zia Rodes is a dedicated Customer Success Manager at EDIFY Background Screening, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring client satisfaction across various screening services including employer background checks, tenant screenings, and comprehensive drug tests. With her deep expertise in conducting criminal background checks, evaluating eviction and credit histories, and ensuring accurate drug test results, Zia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that aligns perfectly with Edify's commitment to service excellence and integrity. At EDIFY, Zia is renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to tailor solutions that meet the unique needs of each client, from small businesses to large corporations. Her approach is always grounded in the company’s core values of transparency, ethics, excellence, and compassion. She understands that every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce trust and reliability, ensuring that clients not only receive thorough background checks but also experience a process that is as smooth and transparent as possible. Zia’s extensive understanding of background screening processes, from criminal background histories to detailed checks of credit and eviction records, makes her an invaluable resource for clients needing diverse background check solutions. Her dedication to exceeding client expectations helps EDIFY stand out as a leader in comprehensive and trustworthy background screening services.