What is employee background screening and why is it important?
Quick insights
- Background screening enables employers to verify candidate details and evaluate potential risks during hiring.
- The screening process can include reviews of criminal history, work experience, education and other relevant checks.
- Businesses can hire background screening providers to help streamline the process.
Hiring a new employee can be a significant investment of time and resources for businesses—that’s where employee background screening comes in. Background checks assist in verifying a candidate’s past, including employment records, criminal history, education and more.
Implementing a thorough screening process could help ensure a candidate is qualified for a role, create a safe environment for your team and potentially mitigate costly risks associated with uninformed hiring decisions.
Read on to learn more about what background screenings entail and some key steps in the process.
What is background screening?
Background screening, sometimes called employee screening, is a method employers use to validate a candidate’s identity, qualifications and background before hiring a new team member. This step verifies that the applicant’s information is truthful and complete.
Employers often use background screening to evaluate whether a candidate’s history meets the company’s standards and expectations. It may also help reduce the likelihood of hiring individuals who could present safety or security issues. Using a structured screening process can help protect your company, as well as your workforce and customers.
What information does background screening provide?
Comprehensive background screening can uncover a variety of details that influence hiring decisions. The exact information gathered depends on the job requirements and the company’s procedures.
Some common areas of review include:
- Identity verification: Confirms the candidate’s name, Social Security number (SSN) and other identifying details.
- Employment history: Validates past job roles and periods of employment.
- Education verification: Checks attended institutions, degrees obtained and dates of graduation.
- Criminal history: Reviews records of arrests, convictions or current cases that may relate to the position.
- Additional details when needed: For certain positions, employers might choose to check driving records or professional licenses.
These steps can help provide a more thorough understanding of a candidate so employers can make informed choices about hiring.
What to look for when choosing a background screening service
Selecting a compatible background screening provider can support a smooth and compliant screening process. You may want to consider these factors when making your decision:
- Compliance with laws: Ensuring the provider operates according to all federal, state and local laws, particularly around privacy and equal opportunity, can help support a compliant process.
- Accuracy and reliability: Before choosing a provider, you may want to research if they have a track record of delivering correct and up-to-date information.
- Customization options: Some providers offer packages that cater to the specific needs of different roles or industries.
- Turnaround time: It may be worthwhile to check turnaround times before choosing a provider, as slow response times can slow down onboarding a new employee.
Taking these elements into account may help your organization develop a screening process that supports your recruitment strategies and workplace standards.
The bottom line
Employee background screening may equip employers to make more knowledgeable hiring choices. By understanding the screening process and selecting a reputable vendor, organizations could better protect against potential risks.
Implementing a careful screening approach in your hiring workflow can benefit both employers and employees. Employers may fill roles more quickly, and employees can be one step closer to starting their new job.
FAQs about background checks
How long does a background check take?
Most screenings are finished within several days, but some may require more time based on the complexity and source of records. Delays may result from incomplete details, difficulties in verifying records or the need for extra documentation.
Will a background check impact my credit score?
Employment screenings that review credit are “soft” credit checks and do not impact your credit score.
Can a candidate dispute information found in a background check?
Yes, applicants are typically allowed to review their background report and contest any false or outdated information.
