Background screening is a critical component of the hiring process. It involves verifying a candidate’s employment history, criminal record, credit score, and other relevant information to ensure they are suitable for the job. Recently, there has been a debate about whether to conduct background screening in-house or outsource it to a background screening provider. In this article, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of both options.
Overview of Background Screening
Background screening verifies a candidate’s identity and past behavior before hiring them. It can include criminal record checks, employment history verification, education verification, and reference checks. This process is essential to ensure that a candidate is suitable for a job and doesn’t pose any potential risks to the company.
Why Are Employment Background Checks Essential?
Employment background checks are essential to safeguard a company’s reputation, employees, and customers. For example, hiring someone without conducting a background check can result in potential legal issues, harm to employees, and financial losses to the company.
Diy Background Screening Vs. Hiring A Background Screening Provider
When conducting background checks, employers have two options: DIY background screening or hiring a background screening provider.
Benefits of DIY Background Screening
Cost-Effective: DIY background screening is more cost-effective than hiring a background screening provider. Companies can save money by conducting background checks in-house.
Control of the Screening Procedure: Employers have more control over the screening process when conducting background checks themselves. They can decide which checks to conduct, how, and when to conduct them.
Knowledge of the Candidate: Employers have more knowledge of the candidate when conducting background checks themselves. They can ask follow-up questions and clarify any concerns they have.
Flexibility and Quickness: Employers can conduct background checks on their own schedule and in their preferred manner, saving time and allowing for greater flexibility.
Drawbacks of DIY Background Screening
Access to Information is Restricted: Employers may not have access to all the information needed to conduct a thorough background check. This can result in an incomplete or inaccurate screening.
Inadequate Knowledge: Employers may need more knowledge or expertise to conduct a comprehensive background check, which can result in potential legal issues and risks.
Noncompliance Risk: Employers may only comply with some legal requirements when conducting the background checks themselves, which can result in legal issues.
Potential Legal Consequences: Employers may face legal consequences if they conduct a background check improperly, such as discrimination or invasion of privacy.
Time-Consuming: Conducting a background check can be time-consuming and take away from other important tasks that employers need to complete.
Benefits of Hiring a Background Screening Provider
Access to Detailed Information: Hiring a background screening provider gives employers access to detailed information that may not be available if they conduct the screening themselves.
Expertise as well as Experience: Background screening providers have the expertise and experience to conduct thorough and accurate background checks.
Legal Risk Reduction and Compliance: Background screening providers can help employers comply with legal requirements and reduce the risk of potential legal issues.
Time-Saving: Hiring a background screening provider can save employers time, as they can focus on other essential tasks.
Assurance of Precision: Background screening providers can ensure the background checks are accurate and reliable.
Drawbacks of Hiring a Background Screening Provider
Expensive Service: Hiring a background screening provider can be expensive, which may not be feasible for small businesses or companies with a limited budget. Employers may need to weigh the costs against the potential benefits of outsourcing the screening process.
Moreover, the cost of hiring a background screening provider may increase over time, making it difficult for employers to budget. In addition, employers may need to negotiate contracts or seek out new providers to keep costs under control, which can be time-consuming and require additional resources.
Price Increase: One of the employers’ primary concerns when hiring a background screening provider is the potential for a price increase. The cost of outsourcing the screening process can vary widely depending on the provider, the scope of the background check, and the number of candidates being screened. Employers may need to negotiate contracts or seek out new providers to keep costs under control, which can be time-consuming and may require additional resources.
Control Over the Screening Process Has Been Compromised: Another potential drawback of hiring a background screening provider is the potential compromise of control over the screening process. Employers may have less control over the screening process when outsourcing to a provider. This may be particularly concerning for employers who want to ensure the background check is conducted according to their specific requirements and policies.
Reliance on the Provider: Employers must rely on the background screening provider to conduct accurate and thorough background checks, which can be risky if the provider is unreliable.
Communication and Teamwork are Required: Employers must communicate and work closely with the background screening provider to ensure the screening process is completed efficiently and accurately.
Factors to Consider in Background Check Provider
When choosing a background screening provider, employers should consider the following factors:
Legal Compliance is Given Top Priority: The background screening provider should prioritize legal compliance and thoroughly understand applicable laws and regulations.
Provides Thorough and Reliable Background Check Reports: The background screening provider should provide detailed and reliable reports that are easy to understand.
Quick Turnarounds are Available: The background screening provider should be able to provide quick turnarounds to ensure that the hiring process is not delayed.
Your Industrial Knowledge and Expertise: The background screening provider should have knowledge and expertise in the employer’s specific industry.
Protects Data Security and Privacy: The background screening provider should have robust security protocols in place to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the candidate’s information.
Conducting background checks ensures employers make informed decisions about their candidates. DIY background screening and hiring a background screening provider have benefits and drawbacks. Employers should consider their budget, expertise, and specific needs when deciding which option is best for them. In addition, employers should prioritize legal compliance, reliability, and data security when choosing a background screening provider to ensure a thorough and accurate screening process.
