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Are you looking for the best background check software? It helps verify the credentials and histories of potential hires. With many options available, finding the right one can be tough. This guide will help you find the top background check software for your business.
Key Takeaways
- Background check software is key for verifying job candidates’ details. It checks identities, criminal histories, and more.
- Top providers include GoodHire, Good Egg, HireRight, and others. They offer great services.
- Background checks are needed in finance, healthcare, and more. They ensure compliance and safety.
- Reports usually include employment history, education, and criminal records. They also cover credit history and licenses.
- Background checks take different times. They can be quick or take weeks, depending on the investigation.
What is a Background Check?
A background check is a detailed way to check someone’s personal and work history. It looks at their identity, criminal past, work history, education, credit, and professional licenses. This helps employers, landlords, and others make smart choices when hiring or renting.
Employers often use several types of background checks. These include:
- Identity verification
- Criminal background check
- Reference checks
- Credit check
- Motor vehicle records check
- Professional license and education background checks
- E-Verify
- Drug screening
- Ongoing employee screening
These checks help employers pick the right people for their teams. They make sure everyone is safe and fits well with the company.
| Background Check Provider | Key Features | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|
| First Advantage | Offers international background checks, 10% reduction in employee turnover reported | Background checks typically come back within minutes |
| Rentberry | Provides free background checks for landlords, comprehensive report available online immediately | Credit report and background check for $39.99 |
| GoodHire | Offers the most detailed reporting, provides comprehensive reports such as criminal background checks, credit history, education and employment verification, healthcare sanctions | N/A |
| Checkr | 84% of background checks come back within 15 minutes, allows mass-invite of candidates by email, simple user interface for employers | 84% of background checks come back within 15 minutes |
| Apartments.com | Platform moved over from Cozy in mid-2021, selected as best background check site for landlords | N/A |
By doing a deep background check, employers can hire better. They avoid risks and follow the law.
Why Conduct Background Checks?
Background checks are key for keeping organizations safe. They protect employees and customers. Employers have good reasons to check job applicants and current staff.
- Protecting the Organization: Checks find people who might harm the company. This could be those with a history of fraud or violence. It keeps the company’s assets and reputation safe.
- Verifying Qualifications: Checks confirm if someone has the right education and work history. This makes sure they have the skills needed for the job. It helps make better hires.
- Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Many laws need background checks. This is to follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). It keeps the company legal and ethical.
Background checks are also useful for landlords and others. They can learn about someone’s past, like their criminal record. This helps make smart choices to protect people and property.
“Thorough employment background checks significantly contribute to promoting workplace safety, enhancing hiring practices, and building a trustworthy and competent workforce.”
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduce Turnover | Checks can spot problems that might cause employees to leave. This helps make better hiring choices. |
| Enhance Reputation | Doing detailed background checks shows a company cares about hiring the right people. This improves their image. |
| Ensure Compliance | Checks help follow the law. This lowers the chance of legal trouble or fines. |
In short, background checks are important. They protect organizations, check if someone is qualified, and follow the law. Working with trusted background check services helps employers make smart choices. This creates a safer and more reliable work place.
Industries That Require Background Checks
Background checks are key in many industries. They are not needed in all fields, but some always do them. These include finance, healthcare, government, law enforcement, and more. These areas need checks because of public safety, sensitive info, or rules.
In finance, checks keep money safe from fraud. Healthcare checks staff to protect patients. Government and law enforcement do deep checks to keep trust and safety.
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Government
- Law Enforcement
- Transportation
- Technology
Other fields like transportation and tech also need checks. They focus on trust and security. Employers check identities, criminal pasts, and work history to be sure.
How deep these checks go can change. More detailed ones cost more. But, they help keep everyone safe and the business running well.
What Do Employers Look for in a Background Check?
Employers check many things when they do background checks. They look at identity, criminal history, work and school history. They also check if the candidate follows the law.
Identity Verification
They want to know if the person is who they say they are. They might check social security numbers or driver’s licenses. This helps confirm the candidate’s identity.
Criminal History
They look at the candidate’s criminal record. This includes felonies, misdemeanors, and even traffic tickets. It depends on the job.
Employment and Education Verification
They check if the candidate’s work and school history is true. This helps them see if the candidate is qualified for the job.
Compliance with Regulations
Some jobs, like in healthcare or finance, have special rules. Employers check backgrounds to follow these rules. This helps avoid legal problems and keeps a good reputation.
By doing detailed background checks, employers can make smart choices. They protect their company and keep the workplace safe and productive.
What is Included in a Background Check Report?
A background check report looks at a person’s personal and work life. It covers their employment history, education, criminal records, credit history, and professional licenses.
The details in a background check report vary. This depends on the type of check and federal rules. But, you usually find:
- Proof of who they are, like their name, birthdate, and Social Security number
- Details about their past jobs, including titles, employers, and when they worked there
- Info on their educational background, like degrees or certifications
- A look at their criminal records, including any convictions or pending charges
- An overview of their credit history, showing their financial habits
- Checks on any professional licenses they might have, needed for certain jobs
Employers use this info to understand a candidate’s skills, background, and risks. This helps them make better hiring choices.
How Far Back Do Background Checks Go?
Background checks can look back different amounts of time. This depends on the type of check, industry rules, and local laws. Knowing how far back checks go is key for employers and job seekers.
Most checks look at about 7 to 10 years of history. They can look further in some cases. For example:
- Criminal record checks usually look back 7 years. But, they can go back longer for felonies in some places.
- Checks on work and school history go back to the start of a person’s career and education.
- Credit and bankruptcy checks can go back up to 10 years.
- Driving record checks can be from 3 to 10 years, depending on where you live.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) set limits. For example, the FCRA says you can’t report bankruptcies over 10 years or civil judgments over 7 years.
Some states have their own rules too. For example, California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts limit criminal history to 7 years. These laws help people with past mistakes find jobs.
| Background Check Component | Typical Lookback Period |
|---|---|
| Criminal Records | 7 years, with potential for indefinite reporting of felonies |
| Employment and Education History | Lifetime |
| Credit and Bankruptcy | Up to 10 years |
| Driving Records | 3 to 10 years, depending on state |
In short, background checks can look back a lot, but usually focus on the last 7 to 10 years. It’s important for employers and job seekers to know the latest rules on background checks.
Best Background Check Software
Reliable and efficient background check software is key. It streamlines the screening process and follows laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Look for software that offers good data sources, user experience, search capabilities, and value.
Checkr is a top choice with a 4.5/5 G2 rating and 4.7/5 Capterra rating. It’s fast, accurate, and easy to use. It costs $29.99 per check, fitting all business sizes.
Accurate Background Check has a 4.6/5 G2 rating. Its Capterra rating is 3.0/5, but it’s great for big companies. Prices vary based on needs.
Intellicorp is known for being easy to use, with a 4.6/5 G2 rating and 4.8/5 Capterra rating. It works well with HR systems, making hiring easier.
GoodHire is a favorite for its ease of use, with 69% of users saying it’s better than others in 2022. It’s great for small and medium businesses.
When picking background check software, think about compliance, data security, and how well it integrates. A good choice helps you screen candidates well, reduces risks, and makes hiring smooth for everyone.
How Long Do Background Checks Take?
Background checks can take anywhere from a few hours to weeks. This depends on the type of check and other factors. It’s important for employers and job seekers to know how long they take.
Typical Turnaround Times
Most background checks finish in 1 to 5 business days. Simple checks like identity and criminal records usually take 1-3 days. More detailed checks, like employment and education, might take 3-5 days.
Checks across international borders or in multiple states can take 1-2 weeks. This is because of the extra steps needed.
Industry data shows the average time for a background check is 48 hours to 5 days. The speed depends on the provider and the details being checked.
Factors Affecting Duration
- How accurate and complete the applicant’s info is
- How fast past employers and schools respond
- The complexity of the candidate’s work and living history
- Common names that need extra checks
- The workload of courts and government agencies
- Digital records versus physical ones
- International checks, which take longer
Using a professional background check service can speed things up. Getting all the info early and encouraging honesty can help avoid delays. This way, employers can make quicker hiring decisions.
“71% of job seekers considered dropping out of their last hiring experience due to the slow and complicated process.”
The time it takes for a background check is key in hiring. Knowing the usual times and what can slow it down helps everyone. Employers and job seekers can make the process smoother.
Top Background Check Companies for Employers
There are many top companies for background checks for businesses. They offer solutions for all kinds of employers, big or small. These companies make sure checks are done right and follow the law.
Checkr is a big name in the market. It works with over 10,000 businesses. It’s known for quick checks and following the rules closely, with a very low dispute rate of 0.03%.
GoodHire, bought by Checkr, is great for small businesses. It uses smart screening and has an easy-to-use platform. This makes sure checks are done right and follow the law.
HireRight is a well-known company. It offers many solutions for different industries like healthcare and finance. It’s known for its expertise and tools that help employers follow the rules.
VICTIG specializes in background checks for certain industries. It’s all about following the law and keeping data safe. It’s known for reliable and detailed checks.
First Advantage is a big name worldwide. It offers many background check services. It recently got bigger by buying Sterling, which means it can do even more for businesses.
These top companies help employers do background checks the right way. They offer solutions for all kinds of businesses. By working with these companies, employers can make hiring easier, follow the rules better, and make good choices about their team.
Background Check Services for Individuals
Background checks are not just for employers. Individuals can also use them for personal reasons. You might want to find lost relatives or friends. Or check someone’s identity before meeting them. There are many services made for personal use.
Instant Checkmate has done over 1.5 billion searches. PeopleFinders gives free data like age and relatives before you pay. Intelius digs deep into education history. US Search lets you see some data for free and offers unlimited reports with a subscription.
TruthFinder is special because it lets you monitor your own data and scan the dark web. This helps keep your online life safe.
“Individuals can use detailed background check information to narrow down potential long-lost relatives or friends.”
When picking a service, think about how many searches you get, the report details, free data, ease of use, and cost. Checkr, First Advantage, HireRight, AccurateNow, and Sterling have options for all budgets.
Pricing and Packages for Individual Background Checks
Prices for individual background checks vary. But many services are affordable. Checkr starts at $29.99 per report, with discounts for bulk orders. First Advantage starts at $29, with costs based on the screenings.
HireRight starts at $36.47 for a single check. They also have mobile-friendly tools and compliance options. AccurateNow starts at $30.99 for small businesses. Sterling offers memberships starting at $23.99 for one month, with up to 100 searches.
Choosing the Right Background Check Service
Choosing the right background check service is key when you need to check someone’s info. You should think about compliance, data accuracy, and how easy it is to use. Here are important things to remember when picking a service:
- Compliance with Relevant Laws: The service must follow laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) for work checks. This makes sure the checks are fair and legal.
- Data Accuracy and Comprehensiveness: The service should give detailed and correct data. This includes criminal history, work history, and education checks. Correct data helps you make good choices.
- User Experience: The service should be easy to use and quick. A good user experience makes the process smoother.
- Value for Cost: Think about what you get for the money. The best services give good value for the information they provide.
Remember, personal background checks can’t be used for work or renting. Employers and landlords must follow their own laws for these checks.
| Feature | Importance | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance with FCRA | High | Ensures legal and fair screening process |
| Data Accuracy | High | Comprehensive and reliable information for informed decisions |
| User Experience | Medium | Streamlines the screening process for efficiency |
| Value for Cost | High | Balances quality of information with cost-effectiveness |
By thinking about these points, you can find a background check service that fits your needs. It should be compliant, give accurate data, and be easy to use.
Background Check Compliance and Regulations
Employers must follow many laws when doing background checks. This includes the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). It’s important to follow these background check compliance rules. This protects job applicants and makes hiring fair.
Navigating FCRA Regulations
The FCRA was made in 1970. It’s key for FCRA regulations on background checks. Employers must tell applicants about the check, get their okay, and share the report. They also must give time to dispute any issues.
Upholding Fair Hiring Laws
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) helps make sure fair hiring laws are followed. The EEOC says employers should check backgrounds the same way for everyone. This helps avoid unfair treatment based on race or gender.
“Ban the Box” policies are also important. They let ex-offenders get a job offer first. Then, they check their criminal history. This helps avoid unfair biases and lets people show their skills first.
| Compliance Requirement | Key Considerations |
|---|---|
| FCRA Regulations |
|
| Fair Hiring Laws |
|
It’s important for employers to understand background check compliance, FCRA regulations, and fair hiring laws. This helps them hire fairly and legally. By following these rules, companies can make hiring fair and protect applicants’ rights.
Benefits of Background Check Software
Background check software makes hiring easier and safer for employers. It saves time and money. It also makes sure hiring is done right.
Using this software helps streamline the hiring process. It works well with other tools, like applicant tracking systems. This means your HR team can do more important things.
It also helps with valuable compliance assistance. The software knows all about the rules for background checks. It keeps you safe from legal problems.
Another great thing is improved data accuracy. The software checks information very well. This is hard to do by hand.
Background check software is good for any business. It makes hiring better, safer, and more reliable. This helps you build a strong team.
“Prioritizing background screening software can prevent legal battles, minimize poor hiring decisions, and help maintain the organization’s reputation.”
Conclusion
Background checks are now key for employers, landlords, and people to check personal and work info. They look at identity, criminal past, work and school history, and follow rules. Over 93% of companies use them to keep their businesses safe.
Choosing the right background check service is important. Look at how accurate the data is, how easy it is to use, and if it follows the law. Top services like Checkr, GoodHire, TruthFinder, Checkmate, US Search, and others offer detailed info, custom checks, help with rules, and work with HR systems.
As background checks become more important, it’s vital to work with trusted providers. They should focus on accurate data, easy use, and following rules. This way, you can make smart choices, keep your business or personal space safe, and create a secure place for everyone.
