Five Ways to Save Money on Employment Background Checks

Conducting employment background checks is important for reducing risk to employers, but it can also be costly. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of your background checks. By planning ahead and working with a professional screening partner, you can cut costs and still make informed hiring decisions.

Here are five ways to save money on employment background checks.

Plan Ahead

Employers can also save money on employment background checks by starting with a screening budget. Once the budget is set, plan ahead with creating a background check policy that determines what screens are relevant to the positions or departments within the company. Then work with a reputable screening company that is transparent with the costs of background checks.

Focus on Relevant Information

Instead of running every background check on candidates, determine what information is necessary for your hiring decision and avoid irrelevant data that can add unnecessary costs. This can be done by tailoring your background check requirements based on the specific needs of your organization and the position you are hiring for.

Reduce the Applicant Pool

Just as you can reduce the number of background checks on candidates, you can reduce the number of applicants to save money too. Consider using a waterfall approach to screening. For example, run a criminal background check to determine who gets to move on to the interview round of the hiring process. Then as the applicant pool gets smaller, run the screens that are applicable to the job.

Work with a Professional Screening Company

A good way to identify a trusted background check partner is to see if they are accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA). PBSA accreditation holds screening companies to high standards, so an accredited company should provide compliance guidance, consistency, transparency, and high-quality customer service.

Negotiate Prices

Negotiating prices with your background check provider is a great way to save money on your employment screening process. Before signing a contract, ask if they offer discounts for high-volume orders or if they have any promotional pricing available. Be sure to also inquire about any hidden costs and fees that may not be included in the initial quote.

A reliable screening partner should be willing to work with you to find a pricing plan that fits your budget while still providing high-quality and reliable services. Don't hesitate to negotiate, as it can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

By implementing these strategies, you can save money on employment background checks while still making informed hiring decisions. Don't let the cost of background checks deter you from hiring the best candidates for your organization.