How To Choose a Background Check Service

Employee background checks are an important security measure for many employers. While there is sometimes controversy surrounding the practice for roles with low security risk to companies, there are often compelling reasons why this measure is not just good for the company’s security, but also for public safety. Jobs that involve safety risks need to go to trustworthy professionals with the skills to close each project. Similarly, jobs with security risks that could expose customer data could open you up to liability if the wrong candidate is put into the position to access materials in bad faith. The key to making use of this tool while respecting employee autonomy and privacy is understanding what information you need, what state and federal laws allow for the position, and how to handle it confidentially.

Fair Credit Reporting Act Compliance

The FCRA is an important federal law governing how credit information can be used and protecting consumers from certain types of misuse, including misreporting. Employer background check services need to be fully aware of the law’s requirements, but they also need to be able to weigh those requirements against additional restrictions imposed at the state level by various privacy laws to create a report for your business.

Choose Your Background Screening Goals

Depending on the reasons for your background check, you might not need certain accessible resources, even if it is permitted to use them for reporting in your state. Working with a service that understands how businesses use background screening means being able to set up a reporting process that avoids charging you for research and analysis outside the scope of your concerns. The more precise your screening, the easier it is to spot the red flags that would hold up a new hire. Don’t let yourself get lost in a signal to noise ratio, work with professionals who can tell you what you really need to know about each new hire.