{"id":7436,"date":"2021-02-10T06:47:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-10T06:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-851255-3513096.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=199"},"modified":"2024-12-10T20:02:29","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T20:02:29","slug":"background-check-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/certn.co\/us\/blog\/background-check-process\/","title":{"rendered":"The Certn Background Check Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If it’s been a while since you\u2019ve done one, you might still think of background checks as slow, inconvenient, and tedious. But Certn\u2019s clients know the long waits, trips to your local police station, and all the paperwork that comes along with completing a criminal record check<\/a>\u00a0is over. Good news!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The candidate experience during the background check process often determines whether your candidate completes their job application or not. Here\u2019s how Certn’s online background check process makes all the difference and helps HR managers nail hiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Background Checks Don\u2019t Have to Suck<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Background checks are essential<\/a> yet often treated as an afterthought. Sure, you might be using them to tick a box to protect your organization from\u00a0negligent hiring claims<\/a>\u00a0or maintain\u00a0SOC 2 compliance<\/a>,\u00a0but when was the last time you thought about how effective your vendor\u00a0really<\/em>\u00a0is? Could your background check process be better?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s okay. We get it. Not\u00a0everyone<\/em>\u00a0can is as passionate about the background check process as we are. However, if you work in HR, you know the background check process impacts everything from your time-to-hire to your employee onboarding experience. It can be difficult for companies to find time to evaluate how your background screening vendor is measuring up, resulting in turnaround times that lengthen time-to-hire, frustrates candidates, and results in hiring managers playing customer support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we’ve documented in our case studies<\/a>, we’ve had clients cut screening time to hours instead of days after making the switch to Certn. In fact, some clients have reduce their time-to-hire by 80% and cut hiring costs by 50%.\u00a0Given this, we think it’s worth paying attention to\u00a0how<\/em>\u00a0your company does its background screening.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does the process look like with Certn?<\/strong>\u00a0We\u2019re glad you asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certn background checks are fast, accurate, and secure \u2014 hiring managers are able to see results in as little as minutes. Plus, our platform interface, which seamlessly integrates into your existing system, is consistently rated Easiest to Use and Easiest Setup, so you can be assured there’s no more managing paperwork or tracking multiple reports. Our online background check platform prioritizes mobile use and offers instant identity verification, making it easy on the candidate side, too. Talk about easy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s a Background Check?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prepare yourself for a long answer to a short question. We can’t help ourselves, we love background checks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an HR context, Certn\u2019s background check process collects and verifies a candidate’s information to help the employer determine the potential hire’s suitability for a role.<\/strong>\u00a0Here’s more information on what jobs require a background check<\/a>. Checks are also used to apply for rentals, obtain security clearances, and in immigration and adoption processes. In a nutshell, there are many different types of products and services that can make up a background check or background screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, in an HR context, the products and services you\u2019ll find most useful will depend on the specific needs of your company and the nature of the role you\u2019re looking to fill. Your legal team can advise what location- or industry-specific regulations that might impact which checks you can and cannot run, and our experts are available to provide advice on popular screening packages.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Criminal Record Checks:<\/strong>\u00a0These are probably the most commonly ordered background checks. They uncover criminal history which leads to more informed hiring decisions and protects your workforce and your organization against negligent hiring claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are important privacy considerations to keep in mind when requesting criminal record checks. You must ensure that you’re only collecting the information necessary to make a hiring decision, and never misuse or disclose any information obtained from these checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ID Verification:<\/strong>\u00a0Identity verification is often done in conjunction with criminal record checks. Certn\u2019s instant\u00a0OneID identity verification<\/a>\u00a0confirms that the identifying information a candidate provides matches their government-issued ID. This verification can also help catch fraud attempts, or people using another\u2019s ID; identity verification helps ensure that the correct person is being considered for the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employment Verification:<\/strong>\u00a0Validate the disclosed employment history of an individual. This kind of verification is important to verify that someone has the experience and history they say they do. Also, it\u2019s often essential if you hire for a regulated industry like health care, financial services, or education.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Education Verification:<\/strong>\u00a0Validate the disclosed education of an individual. This verification is often paired with employment and credential verification, and is worth conducting as it validates that someone has the education they say they do. Don’t compromise the integrity of your company by hiring someone with falsified records!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credential Verification:<\/strong>\u00a0Validate an individual\u2019s professional credentials or licences that might be required by your industry. This is yet another important piece of information to vet for highly technical positions. With a few clicks, employers can initiate a check to confirm the validity of a candidate’s schooling, certifications, and licences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reference Checks:<\/strong>\u00a0In the Certn background check process, reference checks can be done over the phone or digitally over email. The customizable questionnaires are designed to get more information about what it\u2019s like to work with an individual. Outside of HR,\u00a0property managers use these to vet prospective tenants<\/a>. Reference checks are an important part of any hiring process because they generate insights into a candidate’s character and behaviour that may not be gathered through interviews alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit Checks:<\/strong>\u00a0Like reference checks, these can be used by both HR and property managers. A credit check is an inquiry on someone\u2019s credit file and the reports include bankruptcies, public record and collection information, and a credit score (if it’s for tenancy). In the UK,\u00a0credit checks are one part of ensuring staff meet the Fit and Proper requirements. This type of check verifies people\u2019s financial standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving Record Checks:<\/strong>\u00a0A motor vehicle record report shows an individual\u2019s driving record. This includes licence status, traffic citations, and accident history. In Canada, a driving check is also called a driver\u2019s abstract.\u00a0Employers use driving record checks to evaluate their potential candidates for positions requiring the operation of a vehicle, such as delivery driver or chauffeur. It’s also important for employers in certain industries, such as transportation and logistics, to perform background checks on all employees before hiring them. Doing so helps ensure that only safe and qualified drivers are working for their organization and helps mantain proper insurance status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, the products and services that are included as part of background screening, for employment or otherwise, should be tailored to the role or opportunity. Driving record checks, for example, likely aren’t relevant for a cashier position but may be necessary for a delivery person. Likewise, a credit report may be relevant for landlords performing a tenancy check but not for organizations hiring a receptionist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our screening experts are here to help.<\/strong>\u00a0Part of the Certn background check process involves determining which background checks you need. If you hire for the same role over and over or have a continuous screening process in place, you can save custom combinations of products as “Packages” in our app for future use, making it even easier for you to order from our platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curious? Book a demo today<\/a> to see how it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certn Background Check<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are more answers to frequently asked questions about screening in general and the Certn background check process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When They Do a Background Check What Do They Look For?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The answer is…it depends. As we detailed above, there are many different types of screenings that make up a background check. Each one looks at unique details that should relate to the opportunity the individual is applying for. In this blog post we outline what do background checks reveal<\/a>. Take a look!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Do a Background Check on Someone?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No. In Canada and other jurisdictions, people have to be informed that background screening is part of the hiring or screening process and provide consent before any background check can be conducted. You can’t run a check on someone in secret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do They Conduct Background Checks?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Background checks are conducted through a structured process that involves gathering information about an individual’s background, qualifications, and suitability for a particular role or position. Certn\u2019s all-in-one platform takes information shared by candidates, like their full name, date of birth, address, and past employment information, and uses those identifiers to perform background checks and verify the information. Certn’s online technology connects directly to police databases and other data banks, which reduces delays and helps shorten turnaround times. These databases may include criminal records databases, sex offender registries, motor vehicle records, employment history databases, educational institution databases, and professional licencing boards. In the case of reference checks, members of Certn’s verifications team might intervene to help facilitate the information gathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FYI – Before initiating a background check, all employers must obtain written consent (online check boxes count). This consent allows the employer or a third-party background screening vendor to access the candidate’s personal information and conduct the necessary checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Does the Background Check Process Take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Timeframes for check completions are dependent on the types of checks ordered along with where someone has lived and worked. With Certn, the process for a criminal record check can vary on average from a few minutes to a few days. This is an obvious improvement over the traditional in-person model where the background screening process can take weeks. Take a look at our case studies<\/a> to learn more about how Certn clients benefit from faster and easier online background checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You also might be wondering, why are background checks important? Well, read on below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Are Background Checks Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Background checks play a pivotal role in HR processes as they provide critical insights into candidates’ backgrounds, helping hiring managers make more informed hiring decisions and safeguarding organizational integrity. By conducting thorough background checks, HR departments can verify the accuracy of candidates’ qualifications, employment history, and credentials, mitigating the risks associated with hiring unqualified or dishonest individuals. Moreover, background checks help identify any criminal records or other red flags that may pose a threat to workplace safety or company reputation. By upholding rigorous screening standards, HR professionals demonstrate their commitment to due diligence, compliance with legal regulations, and the protection of employees, customers, and organizational assets. Ultimately, background checks serve as a vital tool for HR in fostering a secure, trustworthy, and productive work environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s more information on specific use cases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verify Candidates to Know Who You’re Hiring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Along with the usual criminal record checks, a leading vendor in background screening industry will also have some kind of ID verification and education, employment, and credentials verification because these services make up most basic background screening programs. At Certn, we can complete all these types of verifications so you know exactly who you’re hiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t worry, running multiple checks and verifications won’t slow you down if you use Certn. Our mobile-enabled platform collects information on candidates in an automated way, saving your company time and money and saving candidates the hassle of re-entering the same information over and over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Background checks are essential for verifying who you’re hiring and creating a safe work environment, so let Certn handle them for you!\u00a0 With our comprehensive background check services, you can trust that the people joining your team have been thoroughly and accurately vetted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hire Smarter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One bad hire or misfit can cost a company quite a bit once the costs associated with recruiting, hiring, compensation, lost business opportunities, and severance have been factored in. In fact, those costs typically amount to\u00a0approximately 30% of the bad hire\u2019s salary<\/a>.\u00a0To avoid costly hiring mistakes upfront, it\u2019s important to have a well-defined recruitment process in place. Using smart and effective recruitment strategies with proper background screening (hint, hint) can help ensure that you hire the right people for the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Build a Strong Employer Brand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A candidate\u2019s experience is important when going through the hiring process. It starts with the application, then moves onto the interview, and even continues with the background screening and onboarding process. Yes, the administrative side of hiring matters for employer brand!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a competitive job market, the hiring experience is even more critical for employer brand reputation. Is it fast? Is it easy? Do candidates have to jump through hoops? Even if the candidate isn’t hired, the process could dictate whether or not they will apply to your company again or what they say about you to family, friends, and colleagues. If the candidate\u2019s hiring experience isn\u2019t strong, you might miss out on top talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certn’s online background checks and self-serve applicant portal significantly enhance the candidate experience by providing transparency, efficiency, and convenience throughout the screening process. With Certn’s platform, candidates have direct access to initiate and monitor their background checks, empowering them with visibility and control over the process. This self-serve portal enables candidates to securely submit necessary information, such as personal details and consent forms, at their convenience, eliminating the need for manual paperwork and streamlining the onboarding process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, Certn’s user-friendly interface and intuitive design ensure a seamless and straightforward experience for candidates, minimizing confusion and frustration. By offering an efficient and transparent background check process, Certn can help enhance candidates’ overall impression of your organization, fostering trust, satisfaction, and a positive employer brand image. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid Negligent Hiring Claims<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It’s not surprising that up to\u00a093% of employers conduct at least some kind of background screening<\/a> when you learn about employers’ legal obligations for creating a safe environment. Comprehensive background screening helps employers avoid liabilities by highlighting any criminal history that could pose a threat. Due to its failure to conduct an adequate background check on an employee, the cable company Charter Communications was\u00a0ordered to pay more than $7 billion\u00a0in damages<\/a> to compensate for the actions of its employee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Negligent hiring is a serious risk that must be taken seriously when bringing new employees on board. Again, employers are legally required to take all necessary steps to properly vet and screen potential hires, which includes running background checks and conducting investigations such as reference checks. This help employers protect themselves from claims of negligent hiring by demonstrating that they took reasonable care in choosing who to hire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peace of Mind<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Screening and the Certn background check process also helps foster a safe work environment for employees. As an employee, don’t you feel more comfortable knowing that all candidates must complete a background check before being hired?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, the background check process helps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n