3 Reasons You Might Miss Records in Background Screening

Background screening can take many forms. There are checks to verify all kinds of information like criminal history, academic history, employment history, driving record, residency status, license status, and substance use. These use various methods to verify information, including database checks and phone calls. "Records" are generally the results generated by any of these screening activities. And despite the various methodologies used, you can miss records that may be vital to your business if you're not utilizing the right types of searches and verifications.
 

The goal of screening is to have a full picture of your candidate – including potential risks they introduce and their qualifications. But sometimes, things fall through the cracks. Depending on how you choose to conduct your background screening, you could miss important information about your candidates. Often, there are three main reasons why gaps occur. Let's take a closer look at each common issue.

1. Not Searching Broadly Enough

There are over 3,000 counties in the United States, and the average person has been to 12 or more states. The truth is that crimes can be committed anywhere. So, if you're only focusing on local searches, like state or county criminal searches where a candidate currently lives, you could be overlooking records.

A "broad" background search is as expansive as possible and can be determined by the number of locations searched, names used, how many attempts are made to verify information, and more. How you address these areas in your background checks can directly affect the quality of information you receive in a candidate's background report. Not considering these factors can potentially limit what you search for, and more importantly, what you find.

2. Not Searching All Sources

Local criminal record searches are generally the main focus of any background check, and rightly so. People tend to commit crimes in areas where they spend the most time. But there are other information sources — such as federal criminal sources, driving reports, and the sex offender registry — that can contain information not often included in local criminal history checks.

3. Not Searching Often Enough

While most HR professionals rightly concentrate on pre-employment screenings, you may want to consider expanding your efforts. More and more companies are now electing to re-screen employees regularly as a way of ensuring they don't miss new records.
With a better understanding of where your background screening gaps might occur, you can start to fill them in. Download Verified Credentials’ 3-Step Plan to Stop Missing Records for some tips to get started.
 

Author Bio

Clare Horvik is Sr. Contributor and Vice President of Marketing at Verified Credentials, LLC. With over 17 years of experience in background screening, Clare Horvik fuels the content development engine of Verified Credentials with strategic insights, unique research and analytics, and target-driven campaigns and events. Clare is a Senior Contributor at Verified Credentials who has led new product releases, developed training and education programs, and is always on the lookout for new ways to share Verified Credentials’ experience with HR professionals.