Background Check Companies
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Background Check Company
Employers utilize background checks as a way to follow up on applications and ensure that employees are who they appear to be. Big companies aren’t the only ones who can benefit from using background check services, however. People who are hiring childcare workers, individuals who are looking for business partners and small businesses all need the services of a background check. Unfortunately, private individuals do not always have the same resources available to them, and they may need to rely on independent background check companies or else do all of the legwork themselves.
If you do choose to use a background check company, it’s a good idea to review the company before paying any money for their services. You need to know that they will provide you with the information that you need and that the fees are worth paying. Here are a few things you should know before settling on a company:
- What services are offered? Just as you wouldn’t hire someone without a background check, you shouldn’t use any service without knowing what you’re paying for. Will the check only cover a person’s criminal history, or will it also look into a person’s driving records and credit report? Will it verify addresses, provide previous work history or check a person’s educational background? Depending on the purpose of the check, you may not need a comprehensive report, and the more thorough a report is, the more it will usually cost.
- How wide is the search radius? Some background searches can only offer results for a certain county, while others are state or even nationwide. If your prospective employee has moved around a lot, a limited search may not yield effective results. Be prepared to pay more for a wider search area, though, as these can often become much more involved.
- How are reports delivered? Will you be given tools that enable you to do your own search, or will someone else do the searching for you and deliver a full report? How detailed is the report? Can you access it online or do you only receive a printed hard copy? Is the report interactive in any way, allowing you to expand information or read further details if you wish?
- Do they have a membership in NAPBS? The National Association of Professional Screeners certifies and regulates background check companies. Associations with a membership are usually in good standing with the industry and keep up with the best practices. Because legislation regarding searches can change, choosing a company with an NAPBS membership is a good way to make sure they will be accurate and legal.
- How is their customer service or support? If you have any problems with the report, will it be easy to solve? Is communication with them straightforward or do you have to jump through hoops to get a representative on the phone? Are they courteous and respectful? You can usually find reviews of any company online. You can also get a good feel for the customer support staff during your first conversation with the background check company. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to them during the initial process, don’t feel obligated to use their services.
Once you’ve chosen a company that will provide the information that you need, you can obtain the background check. You may be able to augment the report with additional information you’ve procured for free. No matter what, it’s also a good idea to take a quick glance at a prospective employee’s overall online presence, including a Facebook or Twitter account. Reviewing the way a person behaves online is a great way to know if they’re really the person they seem to be in interviews.
In the Information Age, it’s easier than ever to conduct background checks and ensure that people aren’t hiding things from you. By embracing technology, you can rest assured that the people you hire are truly the best candidates.