Ensure your hiring process is fair and accurate
When it comes to hiring, background checks are often just that: background.
They don’t tend to be a visible part of the process in the same way that applications and interviews are.
But background checks still have a key part to play in making the right hiring decision.
So as you build your business, you want to make sure these checks are contributing to smart hires.
It’s no surprise then that 94% of employers run background checks as standard.
And there are plenty of reasons to do so.
Why to run background checks
Making it clear that your business runs background checks on candidates and hires will increase the quality of people applying, since those that would likely be ruled out by these checks are less likely to put their names forward.
In a similar way, the quality of applicants hired also increases. Additionally, running proper background checks ensures a safe working environment and reduces staff turnover.
But the process isn’t perfect.
In fact, mistakes can be incredibly common. One study found false information in almost every background check conducted.
How checks go wrong
There are a range of ways in which these checks can be inaccurate. Many of these processes are automated, so they spit out results than aren’t always confirmed or verified by hand. That can lead to problems down the line.
Reporting errors, such as showing out-of-date charges or misclassified offences, do occur, while the information itself can also fail to reflect the updated status of a charge.
It is also common to see mixed file errors, where the data from two people with the same name is merged, resulting in false information added to one or both of their records.
Some checks even show sealed records or ones that should’ve been removed from the public domain.
And while this isn’t fair on those applicants, that’s far from the only reason you don’t want to fall foul of inaccurate checks. If your business makes a hiring decision based on an incorrect check, you could find yourself in trouble. Your very reputation could be on the line.
Improving the quality of your background checks
So what can you do to ensure your vetting process is fair and accurate? First up, get clear written consent from applicants to conduct a background check. Do things by the book and ethically so that there’s total transparency in the process and you aren’t leaving yourself open to damaging claims or even legal action.
Then run that check with a trusted provider. There are plenty of cheap agencies out there, but when you consider the potential costs of mistakes in terms of your hiring process, let alone the possible fallout, you’ll quickly see that the numbers just don’t add up.
When something does get flagged, take the time to communicate with the affected candidate. It could still be a mistake, so you don’t want to make any assumptions at this stage. Follow up with them about what information has been passed on and ask them for an explanation.
Give the candidate time to respond if you can. A longer hiring process that comes to the right decision is often still going to be far more successful for your business than a rushed decision that ends up with you hiring the wrong person.
Ideally, you’ll be able to help a candidate who has been the victim of a mistake in the process, or they’ll own up to whatever the check has flagged and allow you to make an informed decision.
Good luck with your own hiring process in the future!