When your company makes a bad hire, it can be costly. It’s generally accepted that the average cost of a bad hiring decision is about 30 percent of the individual’s first-year earnings. So, if you make a bad hire on an employee who was going to make $50,000 a year, your organization might be out $15,000 or more.

One of the best ways to avoid bad hires is by conducting thorough background checks. But what should you be looking for when evaluating a background screening partner?

#1: Familiarity With Regulations

The background screening company you choose should be familiar with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding background checks and the hiring process. You’ll want to make sure they’re intimately familiar with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the law that governs background checks and employment screenings, as well as Equal Opportunity Commision (EEOC) rules and other anti-discrimination regulations.

An easy way to know if a background screening partner is familiar with the necessary regulations is to ask if they’re a member of the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), which ensures the provider is compliant with the law. If the screening partner isn’t a PBSA member, you might want to look elsewhere.

#2: Comprehensive Background Checks

The term “background check” really refers to a wide variety of different screenings using multiple databases, and background checks are made up of specific checks and verifications that the employer needs. When evaluating a screening partner, make sure you’re well aware of the capabilities they have. You’ll want to think about what you need out of background checks – criminal background checks, identify verifications, credit report checks, education verifications, etc. – and be sure that the screening partner can provide them.

#3: Data Privacy Standards

Make sure your background screening partner has a security certificate for its online system, as well as data encryption capabilities. Ask to see the company’s privacy and data security policies to make sure candidate information is protected.

In Search of a Background Check Partner?

You’ve come to the right place. Metrodata Services is the PBSA-accredited background check provider that can meet your organization’s needs. Get in touch with us online or call our office to learn more about our services and set up an appointment.