2022 was a great year for Choice Screening. A year of recognition, development, and education, of new laws and regulations, and of course, many informative background screening blogs. We’ve complied the 10 best so you can review and prepare your organization for better hiring practices in 2023!
1. California and Michigan DOB Redaction
Recent court cases have impacted background screening in a big way. PII has been removed from case data. Thus, criminal record searches with cases will require clerk assistance and will be delayed significantly. Criminal record searches that do not require clerk assistance will continue to have the same turnaround time as before.
2. Background Check Turnaround Times
The average Choice Screening pre-employment background check will usually take anywhere from 24-72 hours depending on the services ordered. But not all CRA’s (Consumer Reporting Agencies) are equal when it comes to turnaround times. A quick internet search reveals the average background check is returned between 3 days and 1 week! A quick turnaround time can be the difference between hiring your top candidate or missing out because they received another offer…sooner.
3. The Most Common Background Check
Background Screening is utilized in many different industries for very unique reasons. Pre-employment background checks are our most common type of background screening; however, we also execute background checks for volunteers, tenants, and executive screening.
4. First Time Candidate and Minor Background Checks
A recent graduate or first-time candidate’s background check will look different. One major component that is lacking will be previous employment. The fact is, when a new applicant enters the market, they have to start somewhere. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have experience. Explore alternative employment such as volunteer work or internships.
Your first-time candidate may also have a nonexistent criminal history. But that does not mean you should forgo the criminal record search. Background checks for first-time candidates are regulated under the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) just like checks for any veteran employee.
Hiring surges and rapid expansion can be daunting to get through...but it does not have to be. During periods of rapid growth, comprehensive background screening of your applicants is especially important and should contribute to and enhance your large-scale hiring. Here are some strategies to help you plan your background screening for this unique and complex event!
An employer’s obligations under the FCRA carry many responsibilities from which a business may suffer financial and reputational loss if ignored.
According to SHRM, FCRA lawsuits have been on the rise over the last decade. With yearly increases in litigation by 8.7%. Penalties for FCRA non-compliance can easily exceed tens of thousands and willful non-compliance leaves employers vulnerable to punitive damages. This only considers enforcement by the FTC and CFPB, other agencies like EEOC or local government can also be involved.
In order to protect your company, its’ reputation and to avoid potential litigation you must comply to FCRA regulations.
7. Custom Background Check Packages
Choice Screening’s background check packages are fully customizable. Our dedicated account advisors will work with you to create the background check packages to help meet your needs. Choice Screening has over 30 products and services for you to choose from!
Generally, a comprehensive background check package consists of three primary areas:
- Identity, SSN verification, and address history.
- Public record searches including: criminal records, civil records, MVR, Sex Offender Registry, and more.
- Professional qualifications such as: employment verification, education verification, professional license and professional references.
8. My Employee Failed a Drug Test…Now What?
Your employee failed a drug test, and you find yourself asking: “What should I do?”. Hint - it is all in your written policy! An employer can enforce their written drug testing policy with an employee or prospective employee who tests positive.
Employment models continue to shift to remote or/and hybrid practices. With employees working more autonomously now than ever, our screening practices should shift to accommodate these changes. Continuous monitoring should be a top priority in order to keep a pulse on your employees. Rescreening your employees not only protects brand reputation but protects your organization from theft and maintains a safe working environment. Choice ReScreen is the best way to discover bad behavior, document good behavior and more.
10. How to Select a Pre-Employment Background Check Provider
Selecting a background screening company (also known as Consumer Reporting Agency or CRA) can be difficult process. By selecting an industry leading CRA like Choice Screening you can benefit with budget friendly background checks, FCRA compliance services, time saving solutions, ATS partnerships, exceptional service, and more. We have gathered a list of best practices a CRA should maintain to help you in your selection process.
