More and more businesses are using compliant employment screening to ensure they are connecting with the very best candidates for each open position. The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates that for each dollar spent on employment screening, a $5 to $16 ROI is possible. This is due to better worker productivity and attendance, lower turnover, and reduced liability.
The following are five of the most essential components for effective, fair and compliant employment screening procedures:
1. Be Sure to Obtain Consent
Applicant consent is foundational and crucial to success in compliant employment screening. This is because the law requires it, as stated in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Employers have a responsibility to make job candidates aware they will be undergoing a background screening check. A signed consent form should be obtained before commencing a compliant employment screening search.
2. Customize Assessments to Each Job
Each job type can potentially require different types of screening. For example, jobs working with children should have screening that scrutinizes past history in terms of crimes and sexual offenses. Jobs that require working with money should involve screening for financial and credit history as well as criminal past. The compliant employment screening used should be appropriate for the job duties required by the position. EEOC guidelines should be considered as individual circumstances are assessed.
3. Be Consistent
One of the most crucial elements of fair and compliant employment screening is consistency in practices. For example, if social media accounts are considered during the screening process for one worker, the same standards should be applied to all job seekers. All applicants should have a fair chance at employment with the company regardless of differences like race, religion, skin color and family status.
4. Screen Temps and Subcontractors
Just because a worker isn’t a permanent or in-house hire doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be held to the same standards as these workers. Every worker, no matter what the status, should be subject to relevant and appropriate employment screening.
5. Partner with a Professional Compliant Employment Screening Company
Businesses should strongly consider working with an experienced, professional employment screening company for this crucial step in their hiring process. An employment screening company can perform a comprehensive range of searches to ensure candidates are top caliber. A professional employment screening company is well-versed in all the laws that govern this realm and can see to it that screening is done effectively.
Employers should consider these five elements to help ensure fair, effective and compliant employment screening.
Disclaimer Statement: All information presented is never intended as legal advice and is for information purposes only.
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