Why Companies Screen

There is a growing need for a responsible employer to conduct formal background checks prior to hiring an applicant.   Why?  The most obvious reason is to avoid violence and disruption in the workplace.  Also, with the emphasis on managing more work with fewer people, the impact of a bad hire is greater than ever before. Do you really know that the candidate has the education, experience and certifications that he or she claims? Last, pre-employment screening helps to avoid the rising costs associated with theft, fraud, and lawsuits that may result from the actions of employees that should never have been hired. The practice also reduces the less obvious costs associated with bad publicity and the loss of customers.

Avoid violence in the workplace

• 10% of job applicants have a criminal record

Get the right person for the job

• 40% of resumes contain material lies or omissions about education, past employment, or qualifications

Reduce costs associated with bad hiring

• Lawsuits, theft, fraud, embezzlement
• Turnover, bad publicity, lost customers

Types of Screens

The type of screening recommended varies, according to the employer and job type.  Basic Employment screening usually includes a Criminal Records Search in the counties where the applicant has lived over the past seven years. To determine whether the applicant lived in locations that were not supplied on the job application, it is also typical for the screener to run a Social Security Number trace.  Previous employment is often checked, to confirm that the applicant has the experience required for the positions.

Basic Employment Screens

• SSN Verification
• Criminal Records Search
• Employment Verification

Expanded Employment

• Education Verification
• Reference Check