A background check is only as reliable as where it originated from, and not all sources are equally trustworthy. We explain what employers should look for when researching potential screening partners.
Many employers make the mistake of assuming that background screening companies are all more or less the same. However, like all industries, some firms are more reputable and effective than others. The following are some ways to tell whether a given provider can be trusted, as recommended by the professionals here at CredentialCheck.
First, the screener under consideration must follow all federal and state laws regarding pre-employment screening and other types of background checks. These regulations and guidelines include those from the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Making a misstep on legal compliance could cost an employer a fortune in fees, litigation, and other consequences.
Next, they should be a member in good standing with a trustworthy trade association. The premier organization is Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), a nationwide non-profit trade association committed to advancing excellence in the screening profession.
Finally, they must prioritize accuracy above nearly anything else. In comparison, efficiency and affordability are also important factors; neither matter if clients cannot trust that the reports they receive are accurate. Again, it is a mistake to assume that any firm can compile the same factual information. Accurate results don’t just happen as a matter of course; they are the result of skilled staff, up-to-date industry knowledge, and comprehensive employee screening solutions. Likewise, different technology and methods can produce different results.
