Employee background verification and online employee screening are important aspects of hiring. These services allow you to screen employees before you put them on the payroll. You can uncover whether a candidate has lied about or embellished their education, previous employment, or credentials. You can verify whether they have a criminal history or financial problems that might concern you.
You will need consent, and you should be aware of federal, state, and local regulations regarding the use of background checks in hiring decisions. However, you can save considerable time and money by avoiding hiring people who are not the right fit for your organization.
The Value of Employee Screenings
Employee background verification can stop you from making hiring mistakes.
Reducing Risks
Thorough employee screenings significantly reduce hiring risks. By verifying the accuracy of a candidate's employment history, educational background, and references, you can uncover any discrepancies or embellishments that an applicant might have provided.
Identifying such issues early on prevents the hiring of individuals who may not be trustworthy or capable of performing the job effectively, safeguarding you from potential risks and liabilities.
Ensuring Compliance
Compliance with industry regulations and standards is a critical aspect of hiring, and employee screenings are essential in this regard. Different industries have specific legal requirements for employee background checks, such as the FMCSA and FAA regulations regarding drug and alcohol use.
Conducting proper screenings ensures that employers meet these legal obligations, avoiding potential fines and legal issues. It also shows a commitment to safety.
Enhancing Workplace Safety
By conducting thorough background checks, employers are able to spot red flags in an applicant's history, such as past violent behavior or criminal activity. This proactive approach helps to ensure that anyone who may pose a threat to the safety and well-being of other employees is not hired. In turn, this fosters a secure and productive work environment, reducing the likelihood of safety-jeopardizing incidents.
Improving Quality of Hire
Online employee screenings improve the quality of hire. By thoroughly vetting candidates, you can ensure that you select individuals who possess the necessary qualifications, experience, and character for the job. This leads to better hiring decisions, resulting in employees who are well-suited for their roles and more likely to succeed.
Getting Started with Online Employee Screening
Getting started with employee background verification and screening should follow a few key steps.
Choosing a Screening Service Provider
Selecting a reliable and reputable screening service provider is key. Start by researching various providers, focusing on the range of services and approval ratings from past and current customers.
For example, Command Credit has a full range of employee background verification and checks, including:
- Criminal record search
- Employment verification
- Reference checks
- Educational verification
- Driver records and monitoring
- Drug and alcohol verification
Understanding Legal Requirements
Understanding legal requirements regarding what types of background checks you can conduct and how you can use the information is crucial. Many industries may have regulations governing background checks, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rules. There are also state and local laws that may apply.
As a general rule, you will need to get consent from applicants and provide them with a copy of the report if the screening results impact your decisions.
You should work with your legal counsel to ensure you comply with all relevant regulations and work with an online employee screening provider that understands the nuances of employment laws.
Integrating Screenings into the Hiring Process
Start by defining clear screening policies and procedures that align with your company’s hiring objectives. Typically, this integration allows for screenings once a candidate reaches a certain stage in the hiring process, depending on their role.
Clear communication with candidates about the screening process and timelines is also important to manage expectations and maintain transparency.
Training and Educating HR Staff
Training and educating HR personnel on employee background verification and compliance is critical for effective implementation.
HR staff should be well-versed in handling sensitive information with confidentiality and understanding the implications of the screening results.
Streamline and improve your hiring. Get started with employee background verification by using Command Credit’s online employee screening. Contact Command Credit today.