As you work to fill a critical job opening, it’s a great feeling when you find the right candidate. Their interview supported everything they said on their resume, and so far, you’ve moved smoothly through all the steps of your hiring process. Now, you feel ready to seal the deal and make them an offer.

But wait. Did you conduct a thorough background check?

You may think you don’t need to or can bypass the extra time and expense because your gut tells you everything is fine. But in reality, you can’t afford not to. Because when it comes to the safety of your employees, customers, and business, you can’t risk being a victim of deceit if that candidate, who seemed so perfect on the surface, is hiding anything that may threaten it.

The Significance of Running Thorough Reference Checks

Background Checks are Your First Line of Defense

Background screenings allow you to get a complete picture of a candidate and solidify your decision to hire them based on more than just the information they have supplied. They help you:

• Prevent theft and other criminal activity.
• Avoid workplace harassment, abuse and other safety issues.
• Preserve your company’s reputation and brand image.

By running detailed background checks, you can not only verify existing information, but also may find additional details on a person’s employment and education history, credit reports, driving records, and criminal history if applicable.  

• You have a legal obligation to protect your business. If you fail to conduct a background check and an employee commits a crime or harms others while on the job, your company assumes liability for their actions.
• Typical items of concern that may surface via background screenings include criminal convictions, failed drug tests, traffic violations, poor credit scores, and untruths or inconsistencies in education or employment history.

Make Sure Background Checks are Conducted Correctly

If background screenings are not done thoroughly and correctly, your company may face serious compliance risks. Here’s a look at some of the key steps for accurately vetting potential new hires:

1. Make an offer before initiating a background check. It’s generally best practice to start the process after a candidate has been offered conditional employment, based on screening results.
2. Provide candidates with notification of their pending background check and obtain their consent – in writing. This is a requirement under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and many state laws.
3. Apply screening processes consistently across all candidates. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires this, to prevent discriminatory actions.

Want to Make Sure all of Your Candidates are Vetted Accordingly?

A trusted third-party provider can be your best solution to save you time and money and reduce the chance of error as you ensure all your candidates are properly vetted. Key HR provides background screening as part of its comprehensive menu of HR services to support its clients and keep their businesses safe, strong and successful. Contact us today to learn more.