The average job search can be stressful for most job seekers. Finding out that there’s a background check could add some uneasiness, even for individuals with spotless records. Along with optimizing efficiency and accuracy, it’s worth the effort to make the screening process a positive experience for anyone who goes through it.
A complicated, intimidating, and user-unfriendly background check can feel too cumbersome for many qualified applicants, driving some of them toward other companies that are hiring — that's the last thing you want. The candidate screening experience is important because it keeps potential hires engaged with your company. Here's what you can do to ensure the screening process runs smoothly.
Help the Candidate Understand the Screening Process
When you ask a prospective employee to submit to a background check, you should clearly communicate each step involved, including what information they’ll need to provide, what types of records checks you will perform, and how they can appeal or refute a “negative” screening report.
Clear communication should also entail your expectations of interviewees, such as deadlines for submitting certain documents and the consequences for failing to follow those timeframes. An online application portal you develop with a service provider can list all application steps, deadlines, and other expectations.
Provide Technology That Streamlines Information Exchange
The best background check services offer technology that makes the experience for job applicants seamless and quick. A well-designed application portal allows job seekers to sign documents electronically, eliminating physical paperwork and the need to send tedious reminders for submitting forms. If you do need to send notifications, the online platform can send quick alerts, reminders, and updates regarding policy changes.
The most significant concern of many job seekers is how secure their background and personal information will be once they submit it to your online system. An experienced screening provider will help maximize the security of your platform, making the exchange of sensitive information stress-free.
Comply With Applicable Laws Regarding Phases of the Background Check
Compliant background checks follow state and federal laws, protect applicants’ rights, and ensure fair, transparent, and responsible use of the information obtained from a search. There are also regulations stipulating when you can request a background check during the hiring process. Depending on your state, it might not be until you’re ready to make a conditional offer.
All employers must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), requiring that applicants sign a form authorizing or giving written consent to a background check. According to the FCRA, you also must provide a document disclosing the purpose of the screening, what information you’re searching for, and how the results will inform your hiring decision. It also explains what the applicant can do to refute an adverse action notification (AAN), which is the employer's notice that something negative appeared on the background check.
You must also be aware of state laws regarding alcohol and drug testing. For example, if your state permits marijuana testing for prospective employees, you might not be allowed to deny employment to someone who can verify their medicinal use.
BIB Can Help
A background check should be a positive and informative experience for the candidates you screen. At BIB, our team gives you the tools and guidance to make your background check process user-friendly, streamlined, and secure. BIB’s applicant portal makes it easy for your job candidates to navigate the screening application easily.
Call us at (704) 439-3900 or visit us at BIB.com today to learn more about our user-friendly My Background Check applicant portal.
