Best Practices for Running Accurate Background Checks

Picture this: you’ve found your company’s dream candidate for a vacancy. Their resume stood out, and they aced the interview. You’re ready to extend an offer.

But hold on, have you done a background check? Skipping this due diligence can be a recipe for disaster.

In this article, you will learn the best practices for running accurate background checks and how they make the screening process easier.

What’s Included in a Background Screening Report?

The extent of information in a pre-employment background screening report may vary depending on what a company needs and the role that an applicant is applying for.

Stellar offers the following pre-employment background checks that can be lumped together as a package or as individual reports.

Criminal History

Hiring a job seeker with an undetected criminal record can put a business, its employees, and its clients or customers at risk of potential illegal acts such as theft, fraud, and embezzlement. Thorough criminal background checks should be the minimum before extending a job offer.

Stellar has access to a large-scale criminal records database, which gives employers a complete picture of a potential hire’s criminal history. 

This includes county criminal records, federal criminal records, terrorist watch lists, sanction lists, prohibited parties lists, registered sex offender databases, and more.

While comprehensive, Stellar’s criminal background check does not sacrifice turnaround time, as searches are performed using its powerful software.

Driving Records

All job seekers are subject to driving records screening when applying for positions that require driving vehicles, such as cars and trucks, and heavy machinery, such as forklifts. 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires employers to search and review the public records of commercial drivers from every state where they held a license in the past three years.

A comprehensive driver’s background check protects property damages and injuries and protects a company from potential litigation arising from an accident. Further, hiring capable drivers maintains a clean safety record for lower insurance premiums.

With Stellar, employers get all the information they need before hiring. Stellar has access to state-level databases, the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). 

The final report contains moving violations, reckless driving infractions, suspensions, DUI records, and driving hours violations.

Employment and Education Verification

Recruiters can’t skip an employment verification and education background check to confirm that a potential hire has sufficient educational and professional qualifications to support his or her application.

Employers typically do these verifications in-house, which takes weeks and creates bottlenecks in the hiring process. 

Stellar expedites this process by automating it. Simultaneous background checks from current and previous employers, educational and professional institutions, and personal and professional licenses can be completed in between three days and one week.

Drug and Occupational Health Screening

Certain jobs and substance abuse simply don’t mix, and recruiters must be vigilant about these things when hiring new employees.

Stellar makes it easy for employers to conduct drug and occupational health screening with its network of clinics spanning over 10,000 locations, including mobile clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and third-party collection sites. 

Its platform allows employers to schedule drug and alcohol tests electronically in bulk. Further, job seekers’ consent is easily obtained via Stellar’s software.

Social Media Screening

Social media is no longer just a digital networking platform. Performing a social media screening for employment can reveal a lot about a job seeker’s character and whether they are fit for the company.

Stellallar Background Check’s extensive approach to social media searches can track an applicant’s activities across popular social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. 

The final report includes crimes and other unlawful activities, racist and sexist comments, violent and aggressive behaviors, sexually explicit materials, and inappropriate exposure of trade secrets and other confidential information.

Accuracy Is Key: The Stellar Background Check Process

Stellar’s background check process has been time-tested over the past 14 years, generating a 98% satisfaction rate among employers who use the platform.

It’s a straightforward approach that combines speed and accuracy through the following steps:

Initiate Order

Recruiters or employers log into their accounts online on any device from any location. They select the services or packages they need on a user-friendly and intuitive interface. 

An invitation and consent to do a background check can also be emailed to the applicant.

Assigned to Researchers

This is where Stellar differentiates itself. Unlike other providers, which rely solely either on human researchers or digital platforms, Stellar combines human capabilities and automation platforms. 

This human intelligence-artificial intelligence combination paves the way for a speedy background check process without compromising accuracy.

QA Review

Every background report undergoes a rigorous accuracy and compliance check before sending it to an employer. 

Stellar’s QA specialists are trained to verify accuracy and compliance. Any anomaly is rechecked, and incomplete information is subject to additional searches.

Report Delivery

After passing the strict quality check, the report is sent to the employer with a secure PDF link.

Compliance With Applicable Laws

Conducting background checks is not as simple as digging into a person’s records. Strict privacy regulations, legal requirements, and government policies need to be followed.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) mandates that consumer reporting agencies and other databases provide accurate and reliable information for all background checks. 

This includes criminal background checks, education and employment verifications, and other pre-employment screenings where personal data is involved.

The FCRA also requires applicants to know how their educational background will be used in the hiring process. Additionally, job seekers must consent before any background check can be initiated. They must be aware of their rights and allowed to file disputes on potential errors.

Background check services have to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. For example, when a criminal background check is initiated, the software triggers an email to obtain consent from applicants. The email clearly outlines their rights under the FCRA.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) protects job seekers from discrimination and ensures everyone goes through the same hiring process. 

Under the law, all candidates should undergo background checks required by an employer, not just individuals with a specific race, religion, gender, or age.

Get to Know Your Next Hire With Stellar Background Checks

From a person’s criminal background to professional qualifications, getting to know your next hire is becoming increasingly significant in today’s competitive marketplace. 

Don’t skip this step to ensure the competence of your workplace and protect you from liabilities.

Stellar Background Checks offers an all-in-one screening service that includes criminal record verifications, motor vehicle records, credit reports, and much more.

With smart technology that combines AI and human touch and the most affordable rates in the market, you can save up to 15 to 30% lower than average and still get the accurate and reliable information you need.

You can start filling out these forms and contact us via email at info@stellarbackgroundchecks.com or call us at 1-800-301-4140. Start making informed hiring decisions today.

FAQs About Running Accurate Background Checks

What is the most accurate background check?

The most accurate background check provides comprehensive details, including court records, motor vehicle records, and the national sex offender registry. Services offering thorough background checks often utilize business intelligence for reliable results.

What does an accurate background check include?

An accurate background check includes employment verification, court records, reports from major credit bureaus, and checks against the national sex offender registry. It may also screen for drug and alcohol abuse to ensure workplace safety.

Does running a background check affect your credit score?

No, running a background check doesn’t affect your credit score. Credit checks through major credit bureaus are typically soft inquiries, ensuring no negative impact while still providing necessary financial insights.

How do you know if you passed an accurate background check?

You’ve passed if the report confirms your employment verification and shows no issues in areas like drug and alcohol abuse, court records, or motor vehicle records. Employers usually communicate results directly.