Why Background Checks Are Not Effective?

When searching for a new background screening provider, it’s common to question, “Why background checks are not effective?” Prospective clients need a provider that is comprehensive, fast, affordable, and compliant with the FCRA and local and state laws. However, it’s important to clarify that the effectiveness of background checks largely depends on the thoroughness and scope of the background screening process employed.

Importance of Background Checks for Employers

Despite concerns about their effectiveness, background checks play a crucial role in several aspects of the hiring process:

Workplace Safety: Background checks help identify candidates who might pose a risk to the workplace environment. For instance, it’s reported that employers who conduct thorough background checks decrease workplace violence by up to 50%.
Quality of Hire: Ensuring the quality of new hires is crucial, as it directly impacts organizational success. Employers who implement comprehensive background checks see a 20% increase in employee performance and retention.
Suitability for the Role: Proper background checks ensure that the candidates’ experience, qualifications, and education align with the job’s requirements. This alignment increases job satisfaction and efficiency, as evidenced by a 30% higher success rate in fulfilling job expectations.
Negligent Hiring and Retention: Inadequate background checks can lead to hiring individuals who may later cause harm, leading to legal consequences for the employer. Effective background checks reduce the risk of negligent hiring claims by providing a thorough review of the candidate’s past behavior and records.

How Background Checks Work

Background checks are complex and involve several key components:

Social Security Trace: Confirms the applicant’s identity and residency history.
Criminal History Check: Searches national, state, and county databases for criminal records.
Employment Verification: Confirms the accuracy of the employment history provided by the candidate.
Education Verification: Validates degrees and certifications claimed by the applicant.
Motor Vehicle Records: Reviews the candidate’s driving history, essential for roles that involve driving.

Steps in the Background Check Process

The process includes:

Collection of Consent and Data: Starts with obtaining consent from the candidate to perform the background check.
Data Research: Utilizes both public and private records to gather comprehensive information.
Verification of Findings: Ensures that all discovered data is accurate and relevant.
Compilation of Report: Results are compiled into a detailed report that is provided to the employer.

A typical background check reviews records going back 7-10 years, depending on state laws and employer requirements.

Defining the Scope of Background Checks

The scope of a background check should be tailored to the specific requirements of the position and associated risks, which means that background checks are not one-size-fits-all solutions. If the scope is too narrow or the cheapest option is chosen, crucial information may be missed, making the background check ineffective. Employers must define the scope based on the role’s responsibilities to ensure they are getting a comprehensive understanding of the candidate’s past.

Conclusion

To address the initial question, “Why background checks are not effective?”, the answer often lies in the execution of the background check process itself. Ineffective background checks typically result from inadequate scope or cutting corners to save costs. Choosing a qualified consumer reporting agency like EDIFY Background Screening ensures that background checks are done thoroughly and efficiently, maximizing safety and compliance while minimizing risks associated with poor hiring decisions. For dependable, comprehensive background screening services, consider partnering with EDIFY Background Screening. Visit our website or contact us to learn how we can help enhance the effectiveness of your hiring process.

By Zia Rhodes|2024-04-24T17:27:22-04:00April 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.