Best Background Check Services for Employers in 2023

As you start planning for your hiring needs for 2023, it’s not too early to think about which employee background check service you will use for your pre-employment screening needs.

Hiring new employees can be very expensive if done incorrectly. To help minimize the risk of bad hires and identify the best candidates possible, you should strongly consider running background checks before making final decisions. You wouldn’t be alone in this endeavor. According to the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), a whopping 94% of businesses perform background checks on job candidates.

As background check companies’ services evolve, it can be tough to navigate the different types of checks available and determine which ones are right for your business. This blog post will help you understand what background screening is all about so that you can start thinking about how best to utilize this valuable service in 2023 to meet your hiring needs.

What to Look for in a Background Check Service

Legal Compliance

First and foremost, you must use an agency that complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This act governs how background checks are conducted, explicitly mandating that entities must obtain the candidate’s consent to perform the check and provide them with the opportunity to review the results. Unfortunately, not all providers are reputable, and many do not comply with the FCRA.

What does this mean? It means that hundreds—and potentially thousands—of employers do not realize they are breaking the law by conducting checks through a non-FCRA compliant company. Don’t be one of them!

Types of Background Checks

Every company differs in the services they provide. Before exploring your options, determine your requirements. Some companies offer standard and extended packages, but in most instances, aiming for a customized package is better. You will see more about the different kinds of background check services below.

Cost

Cost is always a factor in identifying external service needs. A lot also depends on how much you are willing to spend on potential hires. The cost can vary depending on how detailed a report you want. Many background check companies try to “outsource” their work back to your recruiters, which simply increases your costs in another area of your business. It’s critical that you receive a detailed price estimate.

Additional Factors

Make sure you have a good understanding of the turnaround time beforehand. You don’t want any unforeseen delays. Also, check out the company’s reviews on Google and Glassdoor. Ensure that positive reviews are from trusted sources—these reviews may direct your decision to better choices.

What Do Background Checks Include?

Background checks are used for a number of reasons, including ensuring the safety and security of your employees and protecting company assets from theft or misuse by background-checked employees with access to them. The most common background check screenings include criminal background checks, verifications, drug testing, driving records, and credit history:

Criminal Background Checks

A criminal history background check is a thorough investigation with law enforcement agencies. The purpose of the report is to provide employers with information about an individual’s past criminal behavior that could impact their ability to qualify for certain jobs. A typical criminal record will provide you with the date and location of any arrests or convictions, types of criminal offense committed, sentences imposed (if convicted), and dates released from prison (if applicable.)

Verifications

Verifications could involve employment or education verifications. According to a July 2021 survey by Pollfish, 46% of respondents admitted to lying about their years of experience, while 44% lied about their educational background. What’s more alarming is that 80% of respondents who lied on their resumes said they were hired. These numbers reiterate the criticality of getting verifications.

Education history verifications typically include the highest degree completed. Employment background check verifications provide the current employer, past three employers, or past five years of employment.

Drug Testing

In the current climate of increased drug use, more employers are instituting drug testing as part of their hiring protocols. The purpose is to prevent workers from coming to work under the influence of drugs and hurting themselves or others on the job. Many different types of tests look for a variety of drugs. Typically, urine or blood is collected and tested, but sometimes saliva is used for testing.

Driving Records

A driving record background check provides criminal data, license status, and other information about the individual. This type of report tells you if an applicant has a record of anything from speeding to DUI or more serious infractions that might affect their ability to operate machinery under your direction.

Credit History

Credit history is an evaluation of a person’s financial responsibility. Credit reports are also known as consumer credit reports or simply “credit.” Utilizing the person’s social security number to find information, this report covers factors such as the payment history, past debt management, and more to determine if they are likely to repay any money they borrow in the future.

You will need to get permission from the potential employee before requesting this information, but a credit check will give you insight into the potential hire, including signs of financial distress that might indicate a risk of theft or fraud. This information is crucial if the candidate will be handling financial or sensitive data. The candidate must be sent copies of the report connected to the social security number and “A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.”

Why Choose ScoutLogic as Your Background Check Provider

Finding the best background check service for your company can be challenging. There are many providers out there, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. However, if you’re looking for a provider that will take care of every detail from start to finish without any hassle or confusion, then ScoutLogic is the way to go!

Why, you ask?

Dedicated “Scout” Service Model Team

ScoutLogic prioritizes your compliance. We assign specific, highly trained researchers (“Scouts”) to each account. They become an extension of your team and ensure you remain fully compliant with all regulations.

100% Client Referenceable

ScoutLogic is committed to providing excellent customer service. We’re proud to say that 100% of our clients are referenceable.

Deep Background Check Experience

We are well aware that our competitors want to make the background-check industry software-driven. It’s an unnecessary move that will only result in missed opportunities.

We have customer service experience from all over and know how important it is to deliver day after day and exceed expectations in the screening process!

Choose ScoutLogic

Choose us as your background check service provider. We offer everything you need in one package, including comprehensive criminal checks, sex offender registry checks, education verifications, employment verifications, and more. Thanks to our team’s years of expertise, you won’t have to worry about anything other than getting back to work. Who would’ve thought that finding a background check service could be so easy?

David Garcia

David Garcia is the co-founder and CEO of ScoutLogic. David is also a senior operating advisor for Norwest Venture Partners. David is a member of the boards of ScoutLogic, YipitData, and Supplier.io and was formerly on the boards of Infutor and Avetta. He has over 25 years of B2B commercial leadership experience in data & analytics companies.