Background screening is an essential step in the hiring process for many employers. It helps employers to verify the accuracy of an applicant's resume and ensure that they are hiring the right person for the job. However, the background screening process can also be complex and prone to mistakes.

Here are some common mistakes that employers make when conducting background screenings:

1. Not following the law: Employers must follow a range of laws and regulations when conducting background screenings, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and state and local laws. Failure to comply with these laws can result in costly fines and legal consequences.

2. Using the wrong background check provider: Choosing the right background check provider is critical to the success of the background screening process. Employers should select a provider that is experienced, reputable, and compliant with the relevant laws and regulations. We humbly believe you should choose us! 

3. Not conducting a thorough check: A thorough background check should include multiple sources of information, such as criminal records, employment and education verifications, and drug screening. Employers should not rely on a single source of information when making hiring decisions. Understand the importance and differences between a national public records search and county-direct searches. Call or email our sales or support team if you’re curious! 

4. Not giving applicants a chance to explain or correct errors: The FCRA requires employers to provide applicants with a copy of their consumer report and written notice of their intention to take a negative action based on the information in the report. If the applicant disputes the accuracy or completeness of the information in the report, the employer must suspend the negative action until the consumer reporting agency (CRA) has completed its investigation. ClearChecks automates this process and the best part: the process is fully embedded on our platform and it’s FREE! 

5. Not having a company policy for background checks results. We highly recommend engaging with your internal or external counsel to draft a policy for when adverse information is encountered in a report. Discrimination laws vary by jurisdiction and not having a policy to assist in the workflow of the employment process can create potentially costly legal situations. More to come on this topic! 

Background screening is a valuable tool for employers when hiring new employees. However, it is important for employers to avoid common mistakes and ensure that they are conducting thorough and compliant background checks. ClearChecks has invested in people, processes, and compliance so that we can help employers navigate the ever-changing screening industry. Trust we are always improving via technology and people to ensure the needs of our customers are met.