What Background Checks Do Employers Use?
In the quest to ensure workplace safety and compliance, employers often ponder, “What background checks do employers use?” This critical question underscores the importance of selecting a background screening provider that is not only comprehensive, fast, and affordable but also compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and both local and state laws. A well-tailored background check can significantly mitigate risks associated with hiring and maintain the integrity of the workplace.
The Role of Background Checks for Employers
Background checks serve as a crucial risk management tool for employers by verifying the credentials, criminal history, and other important aspects of a candidate’s past. They are instrumental in making informed hiring decisions that protect the company’s employees, customers, and reputation.
Statistics Highlighting the Importance of Background Checks:
- Safety Enhancement: Employers who conduct comprehensive background checks reduce the risk of workplace violence by identifying potential red flags in an applicant’s history.
- Compliance Assurance: Approximately 75% of HR professionals have found discrepancies in resumes during the background check process, highlighting its role in ensuring candidate honesty.
- Turnover Reduction: Companies that perform thorough background screenings report a 55% lower turnover rate, emphasizing the checks’ effectiveness in identifying candidates who are a good fit for the company.
How Background Checks Work
The background check process involves several key steps, each designed to gather and verify information about the candidate:
- Consent and Collection: The process begins with obtaining the candidate’s consent, followed by the collection of personal details like full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- Research: Specialists access various databases to compile information on the individual, including public records (criminal records, court documents) and private records (employment history, education).
- Verification: Each piece of information is verified for accuracy, often involving direct contact with past employers, educational institutions, and other relevant entities.
- Reporting: A comprehensive report summarizing the findings is prepared, which helps employers make informed hiring decisions.
Common Components of a Typical Background Check
- Social Security Trace: Confirms the candidate’s identity and provides a history of addresses.
- Criminal Records Check: Identifies any criminal history at local, state, and federal levels.
- Motor Vehicle Records: Usually performed on individuals that will be driving company vehicles and/or on official company business.
- Employment Verification: Verifies the candidate’s employment history, ensuring the accuracy of their resume.
- Education Verification: Confirms the candidate’s educational qualifications.
- Credit History Check: Assesses financial responsibility, relevant for positions that manage finances.
Tailoring Background Checks to Fit the Organization
It’s essential for employers to understand that background screening programs should be developed according to the specific requirements of the positions being filled and the level of responsibility assigned to the individual being screened. What suits one organization may not fit another due to different risk characteristics and regulatory requirements.
How Verifications Are Done
Verifications are a critical aspect of the background check process. They are conducted by directly contacting institutions or employers listed by the candidate or through accessing official databases to confirm the accuracy of the information provided.
Conclusion
Employers seeking to understand “What background checks do employers use?” should recognize the value of partnering with a qualified consumer reporting agency like EDIFY Background Screening. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each organization, ensuring comprehensive, fast, affordable, and FCRA-compliant background checks.
At EDIFY Background Screening, we understand that a one-size-fits-all approach does not apply to background checks. We work closely with our clients to develop customized screening solutions that align with their specific requirements and risk profiles. We encourage prospective clients to reach out to us to discover how we can assist in enhancing their hiring process with our efficient and affordable background investigation services. Contact us at 336-283-0237 or visit www.edifyscreening.com for more information on how we can support your background screening needs, ensuring the safety and integrity of your workplace.