Three Common Mistakes Made When Conducting Background Checks

The importance of pre-employment screening cannot be overstated. To ensure the candidates you hire for your organization don’t bring baggage you can’t deal with, be sure to complete a thorough background check and avoid these three costly mistakes.

Having No Regular Background Screening Policy in Place

The implementation of a comprehensive background check process is an important step in reducing the potential risk of a poor hiring decision. The only way to ensure uniform background checks is by having a standard written policy and procedures. Doing so helps to create a safe and secure work environment and ensures that your employees are qualified to perform the jobs for which they are hired. 

Neglecting to Verify Education and Work References 

Experts estimate that 20% to over 50% of job applicants lie to embellish their credentials. Employers need to screen employment applications to discern lying, exaggeration, and enlargement of experience, education, and credentials. Fake degrees are on the rise; even bogus job references are prevalent in today’s job market.

Overlooking Temporary and Volunteer Workers 

For the past 5 years, the staffing industry added an average of 1,000 to 2,000 jobs per day. Approximately 53% of those who remained in the workforce move on to permanent positions. Temporary and contracted workers make up 10-30 percent of the average work force in U.S. companies. Background screening is less costly in comparison to the amount that it will cost you if a contractor or temporary employee harms a fellow employee, client, or defrauds your company.  The cost to replace an unsuitable hire averages more than $7,000.

Don’t make the same mistakes when you conduct background checks. Let us help you get it right. If you need assistance with fast, accurate, comprehensive background checks, investigative screening and verification services, contact us.