What Is a Background Screening Check?

What Is a Background Screening Check?

When inquiring “What is a background screening check?”, prospective clients are often looking for a screening provider that is comprehensive, fast, affordable, and compliant with the FCRA and local and state laws. A background screening check is a crucial process used by employers to verify that a candidate meets the employment criteria with integrity and without any legal encumbrances that might affect their job performance.

Importance of Background Checks for Employers

Background checks are indispensable tools for employers for several reasons:

  1. Enhancing Workplace Safety: Research shows that implementing thorough background checks reduces workplace violence by up to 53%. This is crucial for maintaining not only the physical safety of the workplace but also for fostering a secure and trusting atmosphere.
  2. Improving Hiring Quality: Background checks are proven to increase hiring quality, with studies indicating that 86% of employers say background checks helped them mitigate risks by hiring better candidates. This is particularly important in roles that are critical to the organization’s operations or public image.
  3. Reducing Employee Turnover: By verifying the information at the initial stages, employers can reduce hiring mistakes. Data suggests that background checks contribute to a 40% decrease in employee turnover, aiding in the stability and continuity within the team.

How Background Checks Work

The background check process is detailed and varies slightly depending on the specific requirements of the employer but generally follows these steps:

  1. Consent and Initiation: The first step involves obtaining written consent from the candidate, which is mandatory under the FCRA.
  2. Collection of Information: The background check gathers various types of information, including:
    • Social Security Trace: Verifies the candidate’s Social Security number and traces past address history, which is fundamental in tracking location-based records.
    • Criminal History Check: Searches state, national, and county databases to uncover any criminal records associated with the candidate.
    • Employment Verification: Confirms previous employment claims, job titles, and durations of employment.
    • Education Verification: Checks the authenticity of educational degrees and certifications claimed by the candidate.
    • Motor Vehicle Records: Reviews the candidate’s driving history, which is essential for positions that involve operating a vehicle.
  3. Analysis and Reporting: Information is analyzed and compiled into a report that highlights any potential red flags or discrepancies that were discovered during the check.

Tailoring Background Checks

Employers typically tailor the scope of a background check based on the specific requirements of the position. For instance, a financial role would warrant a detailed check into the candidate’s financial history such as credit checks, while positions involving work with children might require an exhaustive check of criminal history and sex offender registries. This ensures that the background checks are relevant and proportionate to the responsibilities and risks associated with the role.

Conclusion

In answering the question, “What is a background screening check?”, it’s clear that these checks are vital for verifying candidate information and ensuring suitable and safe hires. They are not a one-size-fits-all solution but are meticulously tailored to meet the specific needs of each position within an organization. Prospective clients looking for an effective, efficient, and compliant background screening service should consider EDIFY Background Screening. With state-of-the-art technology and a deep understanding of regulatory requirements, EDIFY ensures that your background investigations are handled professionally and affordably. Choose EDIFY Background Screening for a partner that can help secure the best talent while maintaining compliance and operational excellence.

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