Why Do Background Checks Take So Long?
Many clients at EDIFY Background Screening often inquire, “Why do background checks take so long?” This question is crucial for organizations looking for a background screening provider that is comprehensive, fast, affordable, and compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and local and state laws. Understanding the complexities and necessary steps involved in conducting thorough background checks can help set accurate expectations for the process.
The Role of Background Checks for Employers
Background checks are invaluable in the hiring process for numerous reasons:
- Reducing Workplace Violence: Studies show that effective background checks can decrease incidents of workplace violence by identifying potential risks prior to hiring.
- Enhancing Hiring Accuracy: By verifying applicant information, background checks help ensure candidates meet the qualifications they claim, which can improve overall job performance and satisfaction.
- Avoiding Financial Losses: Incorrect hiring decisions can be costly. Background checks help prevent financial losses associated with fraud, theft, and poor performance.
How Background Checks Work
The process of a background check involves several components, each potentially extending the time required to complete:
- Social Security Trace: Establishes the candidate’s identity and residential history, laying the groundwork for more detailed checks.
- Criminal Records Search: Involves checking local, state, and federal databases for any criminal history, which can be time-consuming, especially if records need to be accessed from multiple jurisdictions.
- Employment and Education Verification: Confirms the validity of the candidate’s work history and educational credentials. Delays can occur if institutions or former employers are slow to respond.
- Public and Private Records Review: This step might include checking credit histories, driving records, and more, depending on the job requirements.
Factors Affecting the Duration of Background Checks
The time it takes to complete a background check can vary significantly based on several factors:
- Manual Processes in Certain Jurisdictions: Some court jurisdictions do not have automated record systems, requiring clerks to physically retrieve files. This can add significant delays, especially in less urban areas or when older records are requested.
- Employment Verification Delays: Verifying employment history depends on the responsiveness of former employers. Sometimes, this process is delayed if employers are slow to respond or if there is a backlog in their HR departments.
- Drug Testing and Health Screening: If drug testing or health screenings are part of the background check, the process involves waiting for the candidate to submit samples, and then for labs and medical review officers (MROs) to verify and communicate results, which can take several business days.
Conclusion
To answer the question, “Why do background checks take so long?” – it’s due to the thoroughness required to gather accurate and comprehensive data, which involves multiple sources and verification steps. Each step is crucial to ensure employers make informed hiring decisions, based on reliable and up-to-date information. For those seeking a qualified consumer reporting agency, EDIFY Background Screening has the experience and technology to conduct efficient and thorough background investigations. We encourage prospective clients to consider our services, designed to navigate the complexities of background checks effectively and affordably.
