When you're ready to hire your next (or first!) employee, you're wise to consider running background checks on your applicants. A background check, performed correctly and in compliance with federal and state regulations, should offer peace of mind and help you select the right employee for the position. There are some steps you can take prior to hiring to help ensure consistent and fair hiring practices too. 

Read on to learn how to perform a pre-employment background check on a potential employee.

When hiring, getting a background check is usually a case of "I need it yesterday." Some employers may even choose to run a quick internet background check because they're afraid of missing out on a great candidate. The problem with a quick internet check is the fact that those type of checks may not be verified or accurate. In fact, hiring managers can get a fast turnaround PLUS accuracy with a trustworthy screening partner.

How long does it take to get accurate employment background checks? It shouldn't take long at all.

The short answer is, "Yes."

Read on to learn why an employer needs applicant consent to run a background check and how consent protects both parties.

As a leading provider of background checks since 2004, we've heard many of the same questions and concerns of hiring managers and HR leaders. We've been asked to share sample templates and any resources to help make background checks less costly and more efficient. 

Compiling these resources, our HR Screening Kit includes information to address:

• How to reduce the costs of screening
• The best ways to reduce turnaround time on background checks
• FCRA compliant screening and hiring

Read more and get your copy of the Ultimate Guide to Employment Background Checks.

As the pandemic continues across the world, employers are choosing to keep their offices closed and encouraging their staff to work remotely. In recent months, employers have made telecommuting accommodations by implementing new technology, expanding their remote recruiting strategies and facing new challenges head on. One such challenge is the notion of hiring and pre-employment background screening new remote applicants. When in-person work was the norm, background checks were the status quo. Are they still as important?

Can employers run background checks on remote employees?

If you're looking for COVID-19 testing for your employees or prospective job candidates, VeriFirst can help. 

Our employee background screening services already include pre and post employment screening plus urinalysis drug screening. We have leveraged our current relationships with laboratories to offer virus testing to help keep your staff safe and healthy. Results will be delivered securely and in compliance with federal regulations. 

Read to learn more about COVID-19 testing as part of an employment background check.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the world's attention now includes protests in response to the death of George Floyd. Social media and video postings have brought to light individual reactions to the ongoing events and employers have been forced to address issues of discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Another consideration for employers is a potential arrest record when those individuals speak out or stand with protesters.  

Should employers consider arrest records from protests on employment background checks?

For hiring managers seeking qualified job applicants, it can be especially challenging to consider denying employment when the unemployment rate keeps rising. Still, finding the best candidate, getting them screened, hired and onboard is job #1. Employers must be sure to avoid hiring bias and allow candidates access to the information used in denying employment, especially when hiring as the nation returns to a new normal. 

Employers must continue to abide by the federal agency regulations such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when hiring and denying employment during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Businesses are doing their best to navigate the changing dynamics of employment during the COVID-19 pandemic and after. With remote work, furloughs and new return-to-work policies, HR managers are feeling the strain of tasks that needed to be finished like yesterday.  Just when things seem to be leveling out again, background checks appear to be slowing down the hiring process. Why does it feel like nothing is happening fast enough?

What's the real reason that background checks are taking forever?

While employers and organizations look for quicker, easier ways to hire employees, many are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) decision making. It would appear that using algorithms in decisions would limit discrimination but in fact, algorithmic discrimination is still a very real problem. When considering an applicant for employment, there are far too many mistakes that could occur under the premise of "machine learning". 

Instead of relying on solely on artificial intelligence for hiring, employers are better served making hiring decisions with human touch.