An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. ~ Benjamin Franklin
Logic dictates that the more you know, the better your prospects are at growing a successful business. So why take chances when it comes to hiring? A negligent hiring lawsuit can result in astronomical costs. Even if a poor hiring choice does not result in a lawsuit, the bad publicity that can ensue could cause serious losses.
Employers should obtain a thorough understanding of a potential employee’s history and information, especially if that individual will have access to proprietary systems, personnel databases, or financial records.
According to the Society of Human Resource Management, more than 53 percent of all job applications contain false information. Doesn’t it make sense then to conduct a thorough investigation before hiring? In fact, some companies conduct periodic investigations of employees to screen individuals who they think may have committed crimes.
Criminal background checks can reveal whether an individual has a record of violent crime or theft. Background checks can also expose falsehoods on the job applications or in education. It will raise red flags to be questioned and resolved regarding minimizing the risk of hiring.
While it is important to prescreen candidates, it is equally important to adhere to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This law ensures an applicant must provide permission for a background check to be conducted and the subsequent right to dispute any adverse information on the report.
5 tips to reduce your organization’s hiring risk.
- Use an experienced, vetted agency such as Data Screening to conduct background checks and perform necessary due diligence.
- Establish criteria to evaluate the pre-employment information.
- Develop internal policies and mandates to promote a secure and safe work environment.
- Follow all laws and regulations including the FCRA and all release forms.
- Eliminate subjective decisions and ensure periodic screenings as deemed providential.
About DataScreeening.com
Data Screening is a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise that has offered business-to-business employment and tenant screenings to human resource professionals and business owners, including staffing companies, for two decades. Among other organizations, they are members of the New Jersey Staffing Alliance, the Society for Human Resource Management and the National Association of Professional Background Screeners. How may we help you today?