Why Background Check?

Prospective clients often ask, “Why background check?” when exploring new background screening providers. For businesses that prioritize comprehensive, fast, affordable, and FCRA-compliant services, understanding the importance of background checks is crucial. Background checks help ensure that hiring decisions are made with the best possible information, safeguarding the workplace and ensuring that each hire is a perfect fit for the role.

Importance of Background Checks for Employers

Workplace Safety: Background checks are essential for maintaining a safe working environment. Statistics show that a significant percentage of workplace violence incidents can be traced back to individuals with a violent history, which can often be flagged through a diligent background check process.
Quality of Hire: Ensuring the quality of new hires is paramount, as it directly impacts productivity and employee morale. Studies indicate that companies that conduct thorough background checks report a 20% higher success rate in hiring.
Suitability for the Role: Background screening ensures that the candidates’ experience, qualifications, and education align with the job’s requirements. This alignment reduces turnover rates by up to 30%, as employees are well-suited for their roles and more likely to be satisfied in their jobs.
Negligent Hiring and Retention: Failing to conduct background checks can lead to negligent hiring claims if a new hire causes harm. Implementing rigorous background screening reduces this risk and is associated with a decrease in negligent hiring litigation.

How Background Checks Work

Background checks typically involve several key components:

Social Security Trace: Establishes identity and uncovers any aliases used by the candidate.
Criminal History Check: Searches state, national, and county databases for criminal records.
Employment Verification: Confirms previous employment details.
Education Verification: Verifies degrees and certificates.
Motor Vehicle Records: Checks driving history, crucial for roles requiring vehicle operation.

Steps in the Background Check Process

The process of conducting a background check involves several steps:

Collection of Consent and Data: Gathering consent from the candidate to perform the background check.
Research: Using public and private records to gather information. This can include court records, educational records, employment records, and more.
Verification: Ensuring the accuracy of the findings, particularly with criminal records and educational credentials.
Reporting: Compiling the verified information into a report that can be used by the employer to make a hiring decision.

Background checks typically look back between 7 to 10 years, depending on the regulations of the state and the policy of the employer.

Customizing the Scope of Background Checks

The scope of a background check is typically defined around the specific requirements of the position and level of responsibility. This customization ensures that the screening process is directly relevant to the specific demands and risks associated with the role. Background checks are not standard across all jobs but are specifically tailored to provide relevant information for specific positions.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of “Why background check?” can be answered by the numerous benefits they bring to the hiring process, including enhanced safety, better quality of hires, and proper fit for the role. Companies should seek out a qualified consumer reporting agency like EDIFY Background Screening, which offers the experience and technology to perform efficient and cost-effective background investigations. By partnering with EDIFY, you ensure that your background screening needs are met with the highest standards of accuracy and compliance. For more information, visit our website or contact us to discuss how we can assist you in making safer, more informed hiring decisions.

By Zia Rhodes|2024-04-24T17:24:08-04:00April 24th, 2024|WHY|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.