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8 Ways To Get Your Background Screening Program Ready for the New Year

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As 2023 starts winding down, forward-thinking recruiters and HR professionals are using this time to optimize their background screening programs for continued success in 2024 and beyond.

With rising volumes of applicants and an increasing array of checks now vital for informed hiring decisions, keeping your screening program running smoothly over time requires some strategic upkeep.

I’ll walk through 8-key areas of your screening program that are important for annual review – as well as provide questions to ask yourself within each category:

1. Compliance Confirmation

  • Does my program currently align with FCRA, EEOC, Ban-the-Box and all state/local mandates?
  • Do my consent forms and adverse action notices contain updated legal statements?
  • Could I benefit from having legal counsel review policies?

2. Your Screening Metrics from the Last Year

  • Volume Counts: How many job candidates did you put through your background screening program last year? What was your total number of individual screens/checks conducted? Were volumes higher or lower than expected? Tracking this year-over-year shows growth trends.
  • Top Screening Reasons: Which background checks did you utilize most often? For example – criminal records, employment verification, education confirmation. Did you lean more heavily on certain screens versus others? Knowing this helps forecast likely volume distribution.
  • Adverse Actions: What percentage of your candidate screens resulted in disqualifying findings and adverse actions? Which specific findings tended to drive these the most? Understanding this shows you higher risk areas needing attention.

3. Evolving Risks and Requirements Audit

  • Do my current risk levels, packages and disqualifying criteria still reflect organizational needs?
  • Have regulatory expansions, new roles, or international growth created gaps I should address?
  • Am I fully screening for latest risks like insider threats? (Example: Screening high-risk roles more extensively for fraud/deception/integrity red flags.)

4. Vendor Performance Evaluation

5. Team Training Tune-Up

  • When did my team last complete background screening compliance training?
  • Do new hires understand adverse action processes and interpreting criminal records?
  • Could my staff benefit from an annual program overview refresher?

6. Incorporating New Innovations

  • What cutting-edge advancements could boost efficiency like AI-enabled checks or automated adjudication?
  • Can enhanced candidate experience tech like online identity validation improve applications?
  • Are tools emerging that help objectively assess candidates and reduce biases?

7. Formalizing Critical Policies

  • Do I have definitive policies outlined for evaluating criminal histories and determining risk tolerance thresholds?
  • Have I documented consistent adverse action appeal review and approval workflows?
  • Do I have clear guidelines around information security and data destruction?

8. Ongoing Program Updates

  • Have new job roles been added or access privileges changed for existing roles since I first implemented background screening? If yes, the screening criteria may need to be customized to match the risks levels associated with those new roles.
  • Is there a defined process to propose tweaks or enhancements on how screening is conducted? This ensures the program adapts as risks change or new best practices emerge around background checks.
  • Is there clear version tracking and documentation of changes made to background screening processes over time? This record-keeping helps assess what has been done and why future changes are proposed.

While refreshing screening protocols requires some year-end elbow grease, the upfront effort pays dividends for years via optimized efficiency, risk detection and legal compliance. Treat the above checklist as a set of strategic steps rather than a simple annual chore.

Here’s to having your smoothest screening season ever in 2024!

Integrating Background Checks and Applicant Tracking Systems: The Key to Streamlined, Compliant Hiring

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In the fast-paced world of recruitment, time is money, and every second counts in the race to secure top talent. Hiring managers and recruiters face the challenge of not only finding the right candidates but also navigating the complexities of background checks. FYI Screening has emerged as a trailblazer in the industry, addressing these challenges head-on through strategic partnerships with leading HR tech companies (BambooHR, Greenhouse, iCIMS, JazzHR, Jobvite, Lever, SmartRecruiters, UKG, Workday). The result? A suite of seamless, integrated, and FCRA compliant background check solutions that redefine the hiring experience.

Integrating a background screening platform with an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) can offer several benefits for businesses involved in the hiring process.

Here are some key advantages:

Faster Time-to-Hire
By automating the background screening process through integration, organizations can significantly reduce the time it takes to complete screenings. This, in turn, expedites the overall hiring process, enabling companies to secure top talent more quickly.

Better Decision Making
Integration allows recruiters and hiring managers to access comprehensive candidate profiles that include both application data and background screening results. This comprehensive view helps in making informed hiring decisions based on a holistic understanding of a candidate’s qualifications and background.

Improved Candidate Experience
Candidates appreciate a smooth and transparent hiring process. Integration between the ATS and background screening platform allows candidates to provide necessary information and consent seamlessly, enhancing their overall experience and reducing potential delays.

Cost Savings
Automation of the background screening process can lead to cost savings in terms of time and resources. Reducing manual efforts, minimizing errors, and speeding up the hiring process can contribute to overall operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Enhanced Compliance
Many industries have specific regulations and compliance requirements regarding background checks. Integrating a background screening platform with an ATS helps ensure that the hiring process complies with relevant legal and regulatory standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance.

Increased Accuracy
Integration reduces the likelihood of errors associated with manual data entry and communication between different systems. This can lead to more accurate background checks and better-informed hiring decisions.

Streamlined Hiring Process
Integration between the ATS and background screening platform allows for a seamless and efficient hiring process. Recruiters can manage both candidate information and background checks within a single system, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors.

At FYI Screening, we’re committed to providing you with the best background check solutions on the market. Our integrations are designed to save you time and money, while improving the candidate experience. If you’re ready to take your hiring process to the next level, contact us today to learn more about our integrations and how they can benefit your business.

 

 

 

 

Thinking of Switching Background Check Providers? Here’s What You Need to Know

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If your organization relies on background screening services, you know how critical it is to find a reliable, accurate, and compliant partner. But what if your current background check provider is no longer meeting your needs? Should you consider making a switch?

Changing background check providers is a big decision that requires careful thought and planning. In this article, we’ll explore some key reasons you may want to switch and provide actionable tips to guide you through the process.

Why Switch Background Check Providers?

There are a variety of factors that may motivate a company to look for a new background screening partner, such as:

– Poor Customer Service: Slow response times, lack of communication, and unhelpful support can negatively impact both your team’s productivity and candidate experience.

– Limited Services: If your provider lacks certain screening capabilities you require or cannot support global checks as your company expands internationally, their services may no longer meet your needs.

– Inaccurate Reports: You rely on your provider’s checks to be meticulously accurate. Consistent reporting errors could indicate unreliable screening processes.

– Lack of Compliance Expertise: Background screening regulations seem to change daily. A provider lacking expertise in ever-evolving laws could expose your organization to legal risks.

– Pricing Increases: Unexpected rate hikes or hidden fees distort your budget. It may be time to evaluate more affordable solutions.

– Outdated Technology: Manual workflows, lack of HR system integration, and insufficient data security point to a need for an advanced screening platform.

If any of these issues sound familiar, switching may be the right move to enhance your background screening program.

Choosing a New Background Check Provider

Once you’ve decided to switch, follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition:

– Define Requirements: Outline must-have capabilities based on pain points with your current vendor. Screening services, compliance, turnaround times, data security, and other priorities.

– Research Options: Search for providers with proven reputations, top-notch compliance, advanced technology, and expertise in your industry. Check out reviews and testimonials.

– Request Demos: Schedule platform demos with potential vendors. Compare capabilities to your defined requirements. Assess user experience.

– Evaluate Integration: Will their system integrate seamlessly with your HR systems like your ATS? Test integration to confirm smooth data flows.

– Compare Sample Reports: Review sample background check reports from potential partners. Verify accuracy and comprehensiveness.

– Check References: Speaking to current clients can offer valuable insights into providers’ services and support.

– Analyze Pricing: Review pricing models in detail. Seek transparent rates and avoid hidden fees. Calculate potential savings.

– Assess Scalability: Consider future growth plans and ensure your provider can scale accordingly.

By taking these steps, you’ll mitigate the risks of a poor match and select a true partner to enhance your program.

Executing a Successful Switch

Once you’ve selected a new screening provider, it’s time to plan the transition:

– Create a Transition Plan: Define timelines, assign cross-functional team members, identify milestones and risks.

– Communicate with Stakeholders: Inform involved teams of pending changes. Train on new processes and system.

– Migrate Data: Transfer candidate records, screening packages, order histories, etc. to the new provider.

– Test New System: Validate accurate integrations, data flows, and functionality. Conduct trial screening orders.

– Monitor Performance: Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like turnaround time, first-pass accuracy, compliance, and candidate satisfaction.

– Address Issues Proactively: Maintain open communication channels with your new partner to quickly resolve concerns.

– Review Regularly: Set quarterly reviews to assess results, discuss enhancements, and drive continuous improvements.

With strategic planning and collaboration, you can ensure a smooth transition that improves efficiency, compliance, and the candidate experience.

Switching background check providers is not a decision to take lightly. But if your current partner is no longer meeting your organization’s needs, it may be time for a change. Follow this guide to carefully evaluate new providers, execute a seamless transition, and establish an effective screening program with your new partner. With the right provider, background screening can become a strategic advantage rather than a pain point.

Streamlining Hiring Decisions: The Power of FYI Screening

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In today’s competitive job market, finding the right candidate for your organization is crucial. However, ensuring a seamless hiring process while adhering to compliance regulations can be challenging. This is where FYI Screening comes in, offering intuitive background screening tools that simplify the hiring process and enable businesses to make informed decisions efficiently.

Streamlining Hiring with FYI Screening

With FYI Screening, employers across the United States trust that their background screening needs are in good hands. The user-friendly platform provides an array of comprehensive employee background screening solutions, designed to save time, enhance accuracy, and simplify compliance. By leveraging FYI Screening’s intuitive tools, businesses can streamline their hiring process, from screening applicants to making confident hiring decisions.

Ensuring Compliant and Reliable Results

FYI Screening understands the importance of compliance and reliability in background screening. Their tools are built with robust data sources and advanced technology, ensuring accurate results that meet industry standards. By choosing FYI Screening, businesses can rest assured that their background checks align with legal requirements, providing a solid foundation for trustworthy hiring decisions.

Empowering Your Hiring Team

FYI Screening’s user-friendly interface and intuitive design empower your hiring team to navigate the background screening process effortlessly. By simplifying complex tasks and presenting information in a clear and organized manner, FYI Screening enables your team to focus on what matters most: finding the right talent for your organization.

In the quest for exceptional talent, FYI Screening stands out as the easiest way to conduct compliant background checks and make great hires. By leveraging our intuitive and comprehensive background screening tools, businesses can streamline their hiring process, ensure compliance, and make informed decisions that propel their success. Trust FYI Screening to simplify your background screening needs and help you build a winning team.

5 Reasons To Love Background Checks

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FYI Screening MobileAt FYI Screening we hold ourselves to a higher standard. We are committed to making background checks simple, smart and safe.

5 Reasons To Love Background Checks:

  1. Easy Applicant Portal – Make a good first impression. Our mobile-friendly applicant portal makes background checks friendly, fast, and fair. It allows applicants to complete background checks from any device and receive real-time status updates. Our portal builds trust between applicants and employers which makes everyone happier.
  2. Modern Technology – Our background check platform is designed to work for you. It’s fast and powerful. It’s stylish and simple. It’s actually fun to use! It boosts productivity, saves time and helps you do background checks with ease.
  3. Fast And Accurate Results You Can Trust – We deliver high quality, speed, and accuracy every day to help you save time and money.
  4. Dedicated Account Manager/US-based Support – FYI Screening customers receive premium phone and email support provided by US-based background check experts. Our background check packages come with unlimited premium support. This means clients have access to phone, email, and web support, guided activation and training, as well as dedicated account management.
  5. 100% FCRA-Compliant – We take the guesswork out of FCRA rules and monitor the regulatory landscape for changes that might affect your company and your candidates.

What our clients are saying:

A fast and responsive background check vendor…

“I worked with Chris for our background checks for YWCA Minneapolis and he was AMAZING. He is very responsive and will put his customers first. He will send me follow-up emails to ensure that I have completed everything on my end. He is open to feedback and will work his hardest to make sure my needs were fulfilled. Chris has definitely taught me so much regarding background checks and the laws surrounding that and made it really fun. Chris is trustworthy, friendly, and has strong work ethics. I would recommend Chris to anyone looking for a fast and responsive background check vendor. Thank you Chris!”

~ Yer Winder (Thao) – Strategic Human Resources Professional

Reliable and accurate…

“As the Director of Human Resources for a company with over 5000 employees, I rely on FYI Screening to assure me that all background checks sent to them are reliable and accurate. Background reports are always returned in a timely fashion, and I would recommend their services to any of my colleagues.”

~ Director of Human Resources – Ultimate Services, Inc.

We highly recommend FYI…

“I have been associated with FYI for more than six years. I have used a number of other agencies to do our background investigations and have never had any of them that approaches the quality I receive from FYI. They deliver a quality product in a timely manner that is quick and accurate, without fail. I would add that FYI’s service is a value added component of our comprehensive Loss Prevention Product. We highly recommend FYI.”

~Director of Loss Prevention – One of the largest convenience store chains in the United States

Looking for More?

Looking to build a background check program that is not only simple but also compliant?

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