Employers need to conduct criminal background checks and security screenings of potential employees as a matter of good employee screening practice. In the 21st century, it’s difficult to imagine how a company can function and grow without an up-to-date, well-trained workforce.
This is as true for small businesses as it is for large corporations. As a result, a large number of companies are now requiring potential employees to undergo criminal background checks and security screenings.
Companies may choose to do this for a number of different reasons, including:
To comply with local, state, or federal law (Fair Credit Report Act, EEOC, GDPR etc...)
To maintain a safe and secure work environment for employees and customers
To protect their brand and image from negative publicity or lawsuits
To know if an applicant has a previous history of violating company policies or other laws.
Global Background Screening makes it insanely easy to order any type of employment background check for any situation. Whether you need financials checked, like credit or bankruptcies, drug testing, fingerprinting, FACIS healthcare screening, social media checks (even Tiktok) to post hiring services that monitor the applicant after hire Globally. We have you covered in almost every country in the world.
You may even want to consider doing a background check on contractors as well.
In seconds, you can easily select the services needed, checkout and get your screening processing. Create an account today!
What to Know Before Hiring Someone
Before you put someone on payroll, you should know a few things about them, like if they have a criminal record. Here are some tips to get you started.
Do a background check on all new hires. You can’t be too careful when hiring new people, especially someone who will be working with money, access to customers, and/or will be handling sensitive information.
Check the state Bar Association’s website to see if there are any open investigations or warrants out for an applicant’s arrest.
Research the company they plan to work for. Make sure it is a trustworthy, reputable brand.
Make sure to provide a disclosure that states you're conducting a background check on your job post. If you plan on conducting a continuous background check where you get alerted if your applicant gets convicted of a crime AFTER employment, make sure to let the applicant know as well.
Conduct interviews with a number of people who might be a good fit for the job. This will give you a better idea of the culture and will help you screen out those who aren’t a good fit.
Don’t let your company become an extension of law enforcement. Keep your eyes on the prize and don’t forget about your core business.
How to Conduct a Criminal Background Check
Conducting a criminal background check on an applicant can help you learn about their past, including:
Their educational background
Their employment history
Any past arrests, criminal charges, or convictions
The reasons for the arrests, charges, and convictions.
The type of crime and any sentences the applicant may have received.
With Global Background Screening, you can easily select the type of checks needed on each applicant. For instance, the applicant is working with financials, order a bankruptcy, credit report.
How Accurate are Criminal Background Checks?
Before you conduct a criminal background check on an applicant, you’ll want to know how accurate they are. Here are a few factors that could impact the accuracy of a criminal background check:
The definition of a reportable offense - In most situations a reportable offense in the United States would be considered a misdemeanor or felony. Speeding and other
The age of the conviction. Some convictions may not affect an applicant’s ability to work if the conviction was committed as an adult. On the other hand, certain juvenile offenses may still show up on a background check if the applicant is a certain age.
The type of background check used. Some companies may choose to do a national criminal background check, which may include convictions from around the country. However, many states now have their own comprehensive databases, which may include more arrests and convictions specific to that state.
The overall accuracy of the statewide database may be impacted by the frequency of updates. Some databases may not be updated as frequently as others.
How to Find a Background Screening Company
You’ll want to make sure you choose a background screening company that has the experience and expertise to properly do the job.
Here are a few tips to help you find the right one:
Ask around at local businesses. Ask if anyone has a favorite background screening company they would recommend. You may also ask if anyone has had any bad experiences with a certain company.
Check out a number of different companies. Before you sign a contract with any one company, make sure you check out at least three or four different ones. You may even want to check out online reviews and social media comments.
Research the different companies’ offerings. You’ll want to make sure each company is properly screening criteria, including: How long they’ve been in business, their experience level, and the types of screenings they conduct.
Shop around for prices. There are a number of different companies in the industry, and each one offers its services at different prices. You may also want to ask about discounts for larger contracts, referrals, and other programs to help you save money.|
Agree on the terms of the contract. Make sure all of the details of the contract are clear and precisely describe what the company is required to do and what the applicant is agreeing to.
How Much Does a Criminal Background Check Cost?
The cost of a criminal background check varies depending on a number of factors, including:
The company conducting the check
How far back you need to go
The specific state the applicant has lived in the last 7 years
The number of services needed
What country is needed for the check
Here are Global Background Screening, our Federally compliant background check called, Criminal Check Complete for employment is only $42.
Conclusion
Conducting a criminal background check on potential employees is an important way to protect your business. Employees who are allowed on the premises and have access to sensitive information must be trustworthy. In most cases, this information will be verified through a criminal background check.
