5 Qualities of an Ideal Background Screening Partner

When looking for a background screening company to work with, most people often ask, what is the most important thing one should be focusing on? There are many different opinions on what a comprehensive background check should cover, what products should be used, and how often individual employees or volunteers should be checked. Of course, the cost of the product or service is always a concern as well.

In this article, we will explore the significant shortcomings in the background screening industry, some misconceptions surrounding products and services offered by national providers, and what you should be looking to get from your background check company.

1. Focus on Timeliness

   Employers that focus on quick turnaround time for background checks are able to free up human resources personnel to work on other tasks, which may be vital to building a strong workforce. In addition, reducing the overall time-to-hire helps employers to compete for the best candidates. If a job candidate receives a firm offer of employment from a competitor first, then he or she may decide to work for the competitor instead of for your organization.

2. A dedicated point of contact

   Your background screening company needs to be available for immediate consultation when issues arise. In these cases, you need to talk to a live person. Every background screening organization should offer direct contact to a live resource who can answer questions when you need them – not if you will need them, but when. You should always have an experienced contact on call at your background screening company who you can depend on.

3. FCRA compliance

   When a record is found through any database search, that record must be verified according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act rules and regulations to protect both the organization conducting the background check and the applicant's rights. If you are currently working with a background screening provider that does not verify criminal record information returned by alternate sources, you are putting your organization at serious risk. Many applicants have taken legal action, negatively impacting organizations throughout the U.S., because FCRA rules and regulation standards were violated.

4. Centralized Program Management

   By centralizing the background screening process, employers may see benefits including a more consistent, efficient, accurate and compliant screening program. A centralized employment screening process may also allow organizations to reduce the number of software programs and providers involved. Many employers also benefit by defining program ownership of the background screening process, typically the human resources department.

5. Screening products

   Another factor to consider is the products you use for your background search. Although many market verticals tend to use various products according to their specific industry, some foundational products have become more consistently used. These are broken up into three principal areas of focus: criminal products, verification products, and drug-screening products.

In conclusion, not all background screening companies are the same, nor are they created equally. Live service and rapid operational response are tools that you need from your background screening program. Unfortunately, like in many other service industries, it is only important to have good client service when you absolutely need it. When vetting a new background screening organization for your company, take the time to ask the tough questions. Make sure it has a foundational service model that is there for you when you need it. It will most definitely save you and your organization a significant amount of time, frustration and legal concern in the long run.

Summary

Employee background screening has become quite important to determine the authenticity of the candidates and ensure a productive work environment. So if you have a background screening partner, these 5 qualities are a must.

About The Author Nivedita Gupta is a content marketer and writes on business topics for various clients including cFirst Background Checks, a leading background check company in the US.