5 Common Recruiter Questions About Background Checks in the U.S.
HireRight conducted approximately 12.5 million background checks in 2017. That’s a lot of checks! We receive many questions about background checks – even from recruiters. So we’ve answered a few of the most often-asked here.
HireRight conducted approximately 12.5 million background checks in 2017. That’s a lot of checks! We receive many questions about background checks – even from recruiters. So we’ve answered a few of the most often-asked here. Unlike being able to type a few keystrokes on the computer CSI style and get a full report on anyone, the actual process can be quite complex.
1. How Long do Background Checks Take?
It depends on the depth of information requested by the employer and other factors, including:
Verifying the backgrounds of candidates who have lived, worked, or gone to school in multiple locations may require additional time. Overseas employment may add considerable length.
Calling former employers and schools may not be returned in a timely manner, particularly during holidays. Alternatively, schools may have closed and former employers may have gone out of business.
Findings must be confirmed and reviewed prior to reporting and may nominally increase turnaround time but help ensure accuracy and completeness.
Speed and turnaround time is critical, but thoroughness and accuracy remain paramount.
2. Why can’t you just access that “CSI”-type database and get instant criminal background info?
Because, in reality, no single comprehensive source of complete and accurate criminal records data exists. Public records are the responsibility of thousands of individual counties throughout the U.S. A diligent criminal background check includes sourcing criminal history at the local level.
3. What does a successful background checking program look like?
It may be different for government-regulated industries, global organizations that hire employees from overseas, and those that employ a large extended workforce (contractors, contingent labor, etc.).
Best practices may include:
Standardized policy and uniform processes
Helping candidates understand and prepare for a background check
Mobile technology for the candidate to input and receive information
Screening executives/re-screening employees
Adherence to applicable current regulations (FCRA, EEOC, DOT, etc)
4. Do I actually need to conduct E-Verify checks?
Federal law requires all employers to fill out Form I-9 for new employees, but E-Verify is not required of all employers. However, some employers subject to certain State or Federal laws are mandated to use E-Verify.
5. Why go through all of these convoluted processes when candidates could just be looked up on a search engine or social media?
Legal risks. A candidate may claim that he or she was not hired because an employer, in reviewing online information, discriminated based on the candidate’s age, race, religion, medical history, or nationality.
A web or social media search may locate an individual with the same name as the candidate, but the search results could be for an entirely different person.
Compliance. A background check vendor is considered a Credit Reporting Agency (CRA) and along with an employer, is subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which helps protect a candidate's rights by requiring that employers take certain steps when requesting and reviewing a candidate’s background report. The CRA must also ensure that the information that they report is accurate and complete.
Would you like to know more about background screening? Visit the HireRight Resource Library for more free information on background screening, recruitment, and more.
Release Date: February 12, 2018
HireRight
HireRight is a leading provider of on-demand employment background checks, drug and health screening, and electronic Form I-9 and E-Verify solutions that help employers automate, manage and control background screening and related programs.