When Is Background Verification Done?

A frequently asked question by prospective clients looking for a new background screening provider is, “When is background verification done?” Typically, background verification is conducted after a candidate has been initially selected or shortlisted and before they are officially offered a position. This timing ensures that decisions are made based on comprehensive and accurate information, aligning with the need for a provider that is comprehensive, fast, affordable, and compliant with the FCRA and local and state laws.

Importance of Background Checks for Employers

Background checks are vital in several key areas of the employment process:

Workplace Safety: Ensuring the safety of all employees is crucial. Background checks help mitigate the risk of hiring individuals with violent pasts or tendencies, thereby reducing workplace violence incidents. It’s reported that thorough background screenings can decrease workplace violence by up to 50%.
Quality of Hire: Background checks enhance the quality of hires by verifying the accuracy of a candidate’s claims on their resume. Employers who conduct these checks see about a 20% improvement in the quality of their hires.
Suitability for the Role: These checks ensure that candidates are suitable for their roles based on their experience, qualifications, and education, which is vital for performance and retention. Studies have shown that verifying candidate suitability can improve job satisfaction and productivity by up to 30%.
Negligent Hiring and Retention: Background checks reduce the risk of negligent hiring, which can lead to serious legal and financial consequences if an unfit hire is made. Effective screening significantly lowers the risk of these costly legal challenges.

How Background Checks Work

Background checks typically include the following components:

Social Security Trace: Validates the identity of the candidate and traces their address history.
Criminal History Check: Searches for any criminal records at local, state, and national levels.
Employment Verification: Confirms the candidate’s employment history and job titles.
Education Verification: Checks the validity of educational degrees and certifications.
Motor Vehicle Records: Essential for positions that require driving, ensuring the candidate has a clean and safe driving record.

Steps in the Background Check Process

The process for conducting a background check typically involves:

Consent and Collection: Obtaining consent from the candidate and gathering necessary personal information.
Research: Collecting data from various public and private records, including criminal databases and credit bureaus.
Verification: Ensuring all information is accurate and up to date.
Reporting: Compiling a detailed report that is then used by employers to make informed hiring decisions.

Background checks generally review records from the past 7 to 10 years.

Defining the Scope of Background Checks

The scope of a background check is defined based on the specific requirements of the position and its associated risks. It is critical that employers do not underestimate the scope needed, as inadequate checks can miss crucial information. Over-reliance on fast, cheap online services promising “instant background checks” can result in non-compliant and incomplete data, potentially leading to poor hiring decisions.

Conclusion

To address the question “When is background verification done?”, it is typically performed once a candidate has passed initial screenings and is being seriously considered for employment. Employers should ensure that they partner with a reputable consumer reporting agency like EDIFY Background Screening to handle their background verification needs. At EDIFY, we provide efficient, affordable, and comprehensive background checks that comply with all necessary regulations, helping you make informed and safe hiring decisions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in enhancing your recruitment process.

By Zia Rhodes|2024-04-24T17:44:59-04:00April 24th, 2024|WHEN|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.