5 Basics to incorporate into your employment screening services
The first basic question that most HR professionals ask when thinking about background screening is: “Why should I use employment screening services? If I decide to use these services, which background checks should I get?” Finding a perfect-fit screening package for your company’s individual needs may require a custom plan, but there are some constants that will help ensure that only the best applicants are considered for employment.
Identity Verification
Because identifiers such as name, date of birth, and social security number are used to locate and verify all records, your candidate’s identity needs to be validated before you can be certain that a comprehensive search can be conducted. Identities can be verified by pulling address history records, running a DMV records search, or by directly confirming the candidate’s info with the Social Security Administration. Make sure your employment screening services company does this important step.
Criminal Records Check
There are over 3,000 individual counties in the entire United States. While many of these counties report to a database of some sort, there are some exceptions. In order to be thorough, it is recommended that you run a nationwide search and also include an in-person search of the court records in the counties where the applicant has recently resided. Not all employment screening services have the personnel to take this step. Check to see if yours does.
Drug Screening
While many employers choose to forgo this option, it is strongly recommended for any position where the candidate will have access to company money, employee files, or company equipment. A drug screening can help eliminate a potential threat to company assets before any damage is done. Help establish your drug free workplace policies up-front with pre-employment drug tests.
Employment Verification
Previous employment history is the most commonly used factor in determining a candidate’s capabilities. Calling all previous employers to ask key questions can help avoid the pitfall of later finding out that the candidate is not qualified for the job. By relying on your employment screening services company, you can often get results much faster than trying to do employment verifications in-house with your own staff. You can also get better, impartial responses from employers to reduce the risk of bias contributing to a hiring decision.
You can make a more informed decision by using accurate background reports that give you a clear picture of your candidate. Pre-employment background screening is the best way to mitigate hiring risk and stay within regulatory compliance.
Use a professional CRA (Consumer Reporting Agency)
CRAs have the HR employment screening services and related tools you need to fill in your HR gaps and can be an economical solution.
An experienced professional CRA partner can provide:
- Convenient drug testing locations
- Help with recruiting and integrating your system
- Perform HR background screening
- Provide education and license verification while supporting you throughout the hiring process.
Feel confident that you are bringing the best hire into your company by having done due diligence both legally and ethically for your employees and customers.
A professional CRA partner pays for itself by using HR employment screening services to avoid costly hiring mistakes. For a free consultation or more information, contact Genesis Background Screening Services at 866 944-0041 ext 101. Online: email or visit www.genesisbackgroundscreening.com. You can sign up to be emailed whenever we post a new blog at https://genesisbackgroundscreening.com/blog/
Genesis Background Screening is not a law firm and provides our blogs for informational purposes only. Blog is not a substitute for experienced legal advice. Research laws or regulations mentioned in our blogs and ask your legal counsel any questions you have to be sure your organization is within the law and compliant with regulations.
Jacqueline McClure
Genesis Background Screening Services
