How to Choose the Right Background Check Service

How to Choose the Right hintergrund Check tafelgeschirrFotogestoeber/Shutterstock Hiring a new employee is a big decision that can cost yur geschftsleben a lot of money if its notlage done correctly. To enaya you hire the best candidate possible, it is often a good idea to run a hintergrund check before making a final decision.hintergrund check companies verify critical information like identity, criminal activity, employment and education history, professional licenses, and maschine vehicle records. Tzu siche are numerous hintergrund check companies available to businesses of all sizes, and each one offers unique tafelgeschirrs and capabilities.In this guide, we deckblatt everything you need to know about employee hintergrund check services and how to choose one. If you already know what youre looking for, visit ourbest picks pageto see which companies we recommend for your business.What Do hintergrund Checks Include?Pre-employment hintergrund checks can provide employers with critical details about a persons past that may impact whether the candidate is a good fit for the job they are applying for.Pre-employment hintergrund check companies offer a wide selection of inspektion solutions. They use a variety of search techniques, like online databases and in-person courthouse visits, to verify important details of someones hintergrund within a few days. You can find online websites that offer instant results, but be wary some of behauptung cannot legally be used for pre-employment purposes.You must use an agency that complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA governs how hintergrund checks must be conducted, which includes obtaining the candidates consent to conduct the hintergrund check and allowing the candidate to review the results. Using online hintergrund check websites that dont abide by the FCRA leaves your business vulnerable to lawsuits and fines.The fruchtwein common hintergrund check sichtungs available includeSocial Security number traces and address validationsMisdemeanor and felony criminal records searches at the county, state, and national levelsSex offender registry searchesCivil records checksThe fruchtwein common supplemental kontrolles available includeEmployment verificationEducation verificationProfessional license verificationMotor vehicle recordsEmployment credit reportsReference checksMilitary records verificationsWorkers compensation history searchesHealth care sanction checks Drug begehungfruchtwein companies use a cloud-based system where employers can request hintergrund checks and review the completed reports online. Agencies typically dienstgrad per report and take between one and five days to complete the search process. You can choose between an agency that offers pre-set plans, one that offers a la carte options, or one that offers both.Editors leideLooking for information on hintergrund check services? Use the questionnaire below and our vendor partners will contact you to provide you with the information you needCredit Anita RahmanHow Much Do Employment hintergrund Checks Cost?There is no industry-voreingestellt fee for conducting an employment hintergrund check ? the price depends on which searches you need performed. Most hintergrund check agencies charge per report.Some companies offer bundled plans (multiple screenings and checks you can conduct under one plan), and others offer them on an a la carte basis. Of the lieferants that offer preset hintergrund screening plans, typically, they offer a few tiered packages.Actual costs and checks conducted for each plan will vary based on the lieferant you choose, but below is an average of what you can expect in terms of the typical services included in your typical basic, mid-tier, and premium-tier plan and the average cost of ansicht plans.Basic screening package (Inexpensive plan to confirm a persons identity and criminal history)Cost $15 to $30 per reportScreens Basic criminal and ide ntity verification, including Social Security number trace national criminal databases searches and sex offender registry searchesvoreingestellt screening (Affordable, mid-level plan ideal for small businesses)Cost $30 to $60 per reportScreens Everything offered in the basic plans, plus a domestic watch list search and a county criminal court search that searches through seven years of recordsPremium screening (Expensive, comprehensive plan for advanced screening)Cost $60 to $80 per reportScreens Everything offered in the voreingestellt plans, plus education and employment verificationsIn addition to the fee youll pay for a report, be prepared to shell out capital on additional fees.Some agencies charge a one-time setup fee, ranging from $25 to $50, to cover the cost of the account verification process.You may also be charged third-party fees for specific checks, like education or employment verification, court fees and drug screenings. These fees vary by state and provider.In our r esearch, most hintergrund check agencies list pricing on their websites, but some did not, and that, in many cases, is because the provider offers screenings that you can mix and match. In these cases, youll need to contact a representative for a price quote.If your company conducts hintergrund checks as part of its hiring process and you reservierung multiple reports each year, you might be able to get a bulk discount ? its worth asking the service(s) youre considering if you qualify.What to Look for in a Background Check ServiceWith so many hintergrund check services available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your business. There are 10 important features to consider that will help you narrow down the best agencies for your business. Accreditation and compliance. The agency must be FCRA compliant. If it isnt FCRA compliant, it legally cannot be used for pre-employment screening purposes. We also recommend hiring an agency that is accredited by the National Assoc iation of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS), since these accredited companies must adhere to strict guidelines.Accuracy. Ensure that the agency provides clear, accurate and complete written reports. The last thing you want is to make hiring decisions based on inaccurate information. Checks and screenings available. This is, perhaps, the most obvious thing to look for in a hintergrund check company. Choose an agency that can perform every hintergrund screen you need even if that includes supplemental searches like drug testing or antrieb vehicle records.Cost. Your budget may be a determining factor as to which company you choose. Factor in any additional fees you may be charged. Customer support. Background check companies offer support by phone, email and live chat. Choose an agency that offers your preferred method of support, and verify that they have helpful agents.Customization. This may not be an important feature if you find a company that offers the screenings you ne ed in a bundled plan. However, customization features are useful for businesses that need unique hintergrund checks or advanced screens like drug testing and healthcare screening. Industries served. Does the agency serve your specific industry (transportation, manufacturing, etc.) or offer industry-specific packages? Most background check companies serve several different industries, but having industry-specific packages you can select from can ensure your candidate undergoes a thorough evaluation. erreichbar portal. Having an intuitive online portal is essential for placing orders and viewing results, especially if you plan on performing multiple background checks.Technology. In addition to choosing an agency with an online portal, does the agency offer advanced technology features like electronic consent forms and ATS integrations. Turnaround time. How long does it take to get results? If you are working with a tight deadline, this can be especially important. Some companies list their turnaround times online.Other questions to consider when choosing a background check serviceDo they offer volume or commitment discount pricing?Do they match a competitors pricing?Does the service offer a la carte options?Is there a monthly extremum? If so, what happens if you dont meet it?Are you locked into a contract?What schrift of security measures are taken to ensure your employees information is secure?Do they have a dispute process for inaccurate information?Background Check Service FAQsStill not sure if you even need to conduct a background check? Here are several questions and answers that might help you come to a decision.Q. Why should I conduct pre-employment background checks?A. Businesses that dont use background checks when hiring new employees are putting themselves at risk. When a new employee who hasnt been properly vetted is hired, employers are basically welcoming a stranger into their business. Conducting pre-employment background checks can verify several important aspects of a potential employees background. Q. Background checks seem mora useful to large businesses. Do small businesses need to conduct background checks?A. Small businesses have just as much, if not mora, to lose from a badeanstalt hire. Bringing in someone with a criminal past who steals from the company or puts co-workers in danger could put a small organization out of business for good. If a new hire lies about their experience and qualifications, you may find them struggling to perform the duties you hired them to do, which can ultimately cost you mora money in training. Many background check companies cater to small businesses specifically, allowing you to perform as few or as many background checks as you need.Q. Do background checks give any insight into what type of employee the candidate will be?A. Although a simple background check might not tell you how hard job candidates will work if hired, it can give some insight into their character by giving you an i dea of how much you can trust them. It can also give you a look into their past education and experience, so you know what level of work to expect from them.Q. How many businesses find a red flag when conducting background checks?A. Red flags are more common than you might think. Arecent study by the background check company, HireRight,revealed that 84% of employers discovered a misrepresentation on a resume or job application, and 23% said their background reports uncovered a misrepresentation on an educational degree or credential.Q. If a criminal background check turns up a criminal record on a potential candidate, can you eliminate that person from consideration?A. As a standard rule, in order to eliminate a candidate from consideration, the type of criminal activity you find must be related to the employees job duties. For example, if you are hiring an individual for a truck driver position, an underage drinking flugschein from 15 years ago might not be a valid reason for disqu alification but two recent DUI tickets could be.Q. Do you need a different type of background check service depending on your industry?A. It depends on the background check service. Some services have a comprehensive selection of screenings that cover a range of industries others are more limited or specialized in what they offer. There arereally only a handful of industries where standard employee background checks might not suffice. For example, those in the healthcare industry need to conductsome additional types of searches. Another is the transportation industry, which often requires a more extensive look at a candidates driving record. When choosing a service, ask the background check provider if it can conduct all of the screenings your business requires.Q. What does it mean for a background check service to be accredited?A. TheNational Association of Professional Background Screeners(NAPBS) offers background check services the ability to participate in the Background Screeni ng Agency Accreditation Program. Businesses must adhere to strict guidelines to qualify, so this accreditation is highly revered.The accreditation programreviews background check providers on several key areasConsumer protectionLegal complianceClient educationResearcher and data product standardsVerification service standardsGeneral business practicesAccreditation lasts five years. To remain accredited after that, the company must repeat thereview process.Q. With the popularity of social media, shouldnt background checks examine job candidates social network accounts?A. Although employers might be tempted to check out a candidates Facebook or Instagram page to learn more about his or her judgment and character, they could be opening themselves up to lawsuits by doing so. Because of this, it is generally best to steer clear of these avenues and avoid personal bias. However, if you use social media as part of your background check process, take the proper precautions to avoid a lawsui t learn how to check social media the right way.Q. What penalties do you face if you dont follow the FCRA background screening laws?A. The two biggest repercussions of not following the laws are being sued by a job applicant, and being investigated and possibly fined by a government agency, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the National Labor Relations Board. Following FCRA laws are simple, and many background check companies provide users with additional information on the subject.If you think your business will benefit from hiring a background check service, we encourage you to check out ourbest picks pageto see which providers we think are the best for various types of businesses, the reason why we selected each service, and a comprehensive list of background check services and websites.Ready to choose a payroll service? Heres a breakdown of our complete coverageThe Best Background Check Services 2019Best for Small BusinessesBest for Very Small BusinessesBes t for Household EmployeesBest for Self-ServiceBest TechnologyEditors NoteLooking for information on background check services? Use the questionnaire below and our vendor partners will contact you to provide you with the information you need Skye Schooley Skye Schooley is an Arizona native, based in New York City. After receiving a business communication degree from Arizona State University, she spent nearly three years living in four states and backpacking through 16 countries. During her travels, Skye began her blog, which you can find at www.skyeschooley.com. She finally settled down in the northeast, writing for Business.com and Business News Daily. She primarily contributes articles about business technology and the workplace, and reviews remote PC access software and collection agencies. abflug Your Business Business Ideas Business Plans Startup Basics Startup Funding konzessionsverkauf Success Stories Entrepreneurs Grow Your Business Sales absatzwirtschaft Finances Your gruppe Technology Social Media Security Build Your Career Get the Job Get Ahead amtsstube Life Work-Life Balance Home Office Lead Your Team Leadership Women in Business Managing Strategy Personal Growth Find A Solution HR Solutions Financial Solutions Marketing Solutions Security Solutions Retail Solutions SMB Solutions About Us Contact Us Partner with Us Copyright Policy Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Personal Information Advertising Disclosure Sitemap 200 Fifth Avenue, Second FloorWaltham, MA 02451infobusinessnewsdaily.com Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) All Rights Reserved. Company About Us Contact Us Partner with Us Copyright Policy Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Perso nal Information Advertising Disclosure Sitemap Network Business.com BuyerZone.comHow to Choose the Right Background Check ServiceFotogestoeber/Shutterstock Hiring a new employee is a big decision that can cost your business a lot of money if its not done correctly. To ensure you hire the best candidate possible, it is often a good idea to run a background check before making a final decision.Background check companies verify critical information like identity, criminal activity, employment and education history, professional licenses, and motor vehicle records. There are numerous background check companies available to businesses of all sizes, and each one offers unique services and capabilities.In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about employee background check services and how to choose one. If you already know what youre looking for, visit ourbest picks pageto see which companies we recommend for your business.What Do Background Checks Include?Pre-employment background checks can provide employers with critical details about a persons past that may impact whether the candidate is a good fit for the job they are applying for.Pre-employment background check companies offer a wide selection of screening solutions. They use a variety of search techniques, like online databases and in-person courthouse visits, to verify important details of someones background within a few days. You can find online websites that offer instant results, but be wary some of these cannot legally be used for pre-employment purposes.You must use an agency that complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA governs how background checks must be conducted, which includes obtaining the candidates consent to conduct the background check and allowing the candidate to review the results. Using online background check websites that dont abide by the FCRA leaves your business vulnerable to lawsuits and fines.The most common background check screenings available includeSocial Security number traces and address validationsMisdemeanor and felony criminal records searches at the county, state, and national levelsSex offender registry searchesCivil records checksThe most common supplemental screenings available includeEmployment verificationEducation verificationProfessional license verificationMotor vehicle recordsEmployment credit reportsReference checksMilitary records verificationsWorkers compensation history searchesHealth care sanction checks Drug screeningMost companies use a cloud-based system where employers can request background checks and review the completed reports online. Agencies typically charge per report and take between one and five days to complete the search process. You can choose between an agency that offers pre-set plans, one that offers a la cart e options, or one that offers both.Editors NoteLooking for information on background check services? Use the questionnaire below and our vendor partners will contact you to provide you with the information you needCredit Anita RahmanHow Much Do Employment Background Checks Cost?There is no industry-standard fee for conducting an employment background check ? the price depends on which searches you need performed. Most background check agencies charge per report.Some companies offer bundled plans (multiple screenings and checks you can conduct under one plan), and others offer them on an a la carte basis. Of the providers that offer preset background screening plans, typically, they offer a few tiered packages.Actual costs and checks conducted for each plan will vary based on the provider you choose, but below is an average of what you can expect in terms of the typical services included in your typical basic, mid-tier, and premium-tier plan and the average cost of these plans.Basic screening package (Inexpensive plan to confirm a persons identity and criminal history)Cost $15 to $30 per reportScreens Basic criminal and identity verification, including Social Security number trace national criminal databases searches and sex offender registry searchesStandard screening (Affordable, mid-level plan ideal for small businesses)Cost $30 to $60 per reportScreens Everything offered in the basic plans, plus a domestic watch list search and a county criminal court search that searches through seven years of recordsPremium screening (Expensive, comprehensive plan for advanced screening)Cost $60 to $80 per reportScreens Everything offered in the standard plans, plus education and employment verificationsIn addition to the fee youll pay for a report, be prepared to shell out capital on additional fees.Some agencies charge a one-time setup fee, ranging from $25 to $50, to cover the cost of the account verification process.You may also be charged third-party fees for specifi c checks, like education or employment verification, court fees and drug screenings. These fees vary by state and provider.In our research, most background check agencies list pricing on their websites, but some did not, and that, in many cases, is because the provider offers screenings that you can mix and match. In these cases, youll need to contact a representative for a price quote.If your company conducts background checks as part of its hiring process and you order multiple reports each year, you might be able to get a bulk discount ? its worth asking the service(s) youre considering if you qualify.What to Look for in a Background Check ServiceWith so many background check services available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your business. There are 10 important features to consider that will help you narrow down the best agencies for your business. Accreditation and compliance. The agency must be FCRA compliant. If it isnt FCRA compliant, it legally cannot b e used for pre-employment screening purposes. We also recommend hiring an agency that is accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS), since these accredited companies must adhere to strict guidelines.Accuracy. Ensure that the agency provides clear, accurate and complete written reports. The last thing you want is to make hiring decisions based on inaccurate information. Checks and screenings available. This is, perhaps, the most obvious thing to look for in a background check company. Choose an agency that can perform every background screen you need even if that includes supplemental searches like drug testing or motor vehicle records.Cost. Your budget may be a determining factor as to which company you choose. Factor in any additional fees you may be charged. Customer support. Background check companies offer support by phone, email and live chat. Choose an agency that offers your preferred method of support, and verify that they have helpf ul agents.Customization. This may not be an important feature if you find a company that offers the screenings you need in a bundled plan. However, customization features are useful for businesses that need unique background checks or advanced screens like drug testing and healthcare screening. Industries served. Does the agency serve your specific industry (transportation, manufacturing, etc.) or offer industry-specific packages? Most background check companies serve several different industries, but having industry-specific packages you can select from can ensure your candidate undergoes a thorough evaluation. Online portal. Having an intuitive online portal is essential for placing orders and viewing results, especially if you plan on performing multiple background checks.Technology. In addition to choosing an agency with an online portal, does the agency offer advanced technology features like electronic consent forms and ATS integrations. Turnaround time. How long does it take to get results? If you are working with a tight deadline, this can be especially important. Some companies list their turnaround times online.Other questions to consider when choosing a background check serviceDo they offer volume or commitment discount pricing?Do they match a competitors pricing?Does the service offer a la carte options?Is there a monthly minimum? If so, what happens if you dont meet it?Are you locked into a contract?What type of security measures are taken to ensure your employees information is secure?Do they have a dispute process for inaccurate information?Background Check Service FAQsStill not sure if you even need to conduct a background check? Here are several questions and answers that might help you come to a decision.Q. Why should I conduct pre-employment background checks?A. Businesses that dont use background checks when hiring new employees are putting themselves at risk. When a new employee who hasnt been properly vetted is hired, employers are basica lly welcoming a stranger into their business. Conducting pre-employment background checks can verify several important aspects of a potential employees background. Q. Background checks seem more useful to large businesses. Do small businesses need to conduct background checks?A. Small businesses have just as much, if not more, to lose from a bad hire. Bringing in someone with a criminal past who steals from the company or puts co-workers in danger could put a small organization out of business for good. If a new hire lies about their experience and qualifications, you may find them struggling to perform the duties you hired them to do, which can ultimately cost you more money in training. Many background check companies cater to small businesses specifically, allowing you to perform as few or as many background checks as you need.Q. Do background checks give any insight into what type of employee the candidate will be?A. Although a simple background check might not tell you how hard job candidates will work if hired, it can give some insight into their character by giving you an idea of how much you can trust them. It can also give you a look into their past education and experience, so you know what level of work to expect from them.Q. How many businesses find a red flag when conducting background checks?A. Red flags are more common than you might think. Arecent study by the background check company, HireRight,revealed that 84% of employers discovered a misrepresentation on a resume or job application, and 23% said their background reports uncovered a misrepresentation on an educational degree or credential.Q. If a criminal background check turns up a criminal record on a potential candidate, can you eliminate that person from consideration?A. As a standard rule, in order to eliminate a candidate from consideration, the type of criminal activity you find must be related to the employees job duties. For example, if you are hiring an individual for a truck driv er position, an underage drinking ticket from 15 years ago might not be a valid reason for disqualification but two recent DUI tickets could be.Q. Do you need a different type of background check service depending on your industry?A. It depends on the background check service. Some services have a comprehensive selection of screenings that cover a range of industries others are more limited or specialized in what they offer. There arereally only a handful of industries where standard employee background checks might not suffice. For example, those in the healthcare industry need to conductsome additional types of searches. Another is the transportation industry, which often requires a more extensive look at a candidates driving record. When choosing a service, ask the background check provider if it can conduct all of the screenings your business requires.Q. What does it mean for a background check service to be accredited?A. TheNational Association of Professional Background Screen ers(NAPBS) offers background check services the ability to participate in the Background Screening Agency Accreditation Program. Businesses must adhere to strict guidelines to qualify, so this accreditation is highly revered.The accreditation programreviews background check providers on several key areasConsumer protectionLegal complianceClient educationResearcher and data product standardsVerification service standardsGeneral business practicesAccreditation lasts five years. To remain accredited after that, the company must repeat thereview process.Q. With the popularity of social media, shouldnt background checks examine job candidates social network accounts?A. Although employers might be tempted to check out a candidates Facebook or Instagram page to learn more about his or her judgment and character, they could be opening themselves up to lawsuits by doing so. Because of this, it is generally best to steer clear of these avenues and avoid personal bias. However, if you use soci al media as part of your background check process, take the proper precautions to avoid a lawsuit learn how to check social media the right way.Q. What penalties do you face if you dont follow the FCRA background screening laws?A. The two biggest repercussions of not following the laws are being sued by a job applicant, and being investigated and possibly fined by a government agency, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the National Labor Relations Board. Following FCRA laws are simple, and many background check companies provide users with additional information on the subject.If you think your business will benefit from hiring a background check service, we encourage you to check out ourbest picks pageto see which providers we think are the best for various types of businesses, the reason why we selected each service, and a comprehensive list of background check services and websites.Ready to choose a payroll service? Heres a breakdown of our complete coverageT he Best Background Check Services 2019Best for Small BusinessesBest for Very Small BusinessesBest for Household EmployeesBest for Self-ServiceBest TechnologyEditors NoteLooking for information on background check services? Use the questionnaire below and our vendor partners will contact you to provide you with the information you need Skye Schooley Skye Schooley is an Arizona native, based in New York City. After receiving a business communication degree from Arizona State University, she spent nearly three years living in four states and backpacking through 16 countries. During her travels, Skye began her blog, which you can find at www.skyeschooley.com. She finally settled down in the northeast, writing for Business.com and Business News Daily. She primarily contributes articles about business technology and the workplace, and reviews remote PC access software an d collection agencies. Start Your Business Business Ideas Business Plans Startup Basics Startup Funding Franchising Success Stories Entrepreneurs Grow Your Business Sales Marketing Finances Your Team Technology Social Media Security Build Your Career Get the Job Get Ahead Office Life Work-Life Balance Home Office Lead Yo ur Team Leadership Women in Business Managing Strategy Personal Growth Find A Solution HR Solutions Financial Solutions Marketing Solutions Security Solutions Retail Solutions SMB Solutions About Us Contact Us Partner with Us Copyright Policy Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Personal Information Advertising Disclosure Sitemap 200 Fifth Avenue, Second FloorWaltham, MA 02451infobusinessnewsdaily.com Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) All Rights Reserved. Company About Us Contact Us Partner with Us Copyright Policy Terms of U se Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Personal Information Advertising Disclosure Sitemap Network Business.com BuyerZone.comHow to Choose the Right Background Check ServiceFotogestoeber/Shutterstock Hiring a new employee is a big decision that can cost your business a lot of money if its not done correctly. To ensure you hire the best candidate possible, it is often a good idea to run a background check before making a final decision.Background check companies verify critical information like identity, criminal activity, employment and education history, professional licenses, and motor vehicle records. There are numerous background check companies available to businesses of all sizes, and each one offers unique services and capabilities.In this guide, we cover everything you n eed to know about employee background check services and how to choose one. If you already know what youre looking for, visit ourbest picks pageto see which companies we recommend for your business.What Do Background Checks Include?Pre-employment background checks can provide employers with critical details about a persons past that may impact whether the candidate is a good fit for the job they are applying for.Pre-employment background check companies offer a wide selection of screening solutions. They use a variety of search techniques, like online databases and in-person courthouse visits, to verify important details of someones background within a few days. You can find online websites that offer instant results, but be wary some of these cannot legally be used for pre-employment purposes.You must use an agency that complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA governs how background checks must be conducted, which includes obtaining the candidates consent to con duct the background check and allowing the candidate to review the results. Using online background check websites that dont abide by the FCRA leaves your business vulnerable to lawsuits and fines.The most common background check screenings available includeSocial Security number traces and address validationsMisdemeanor and felony criminal records searches at the county, state, and national levelsSex offender registry searchesCivil records checksThe most common supplemental screenings available includeEmployment verificationEducation verificationProfessional license verificationMotor vehicle recordsEmployment credit reportsReference checksMilitary records verificationsWorkers compensation history searchesHealth care sanction checks Drug screeningMost companies use a cloud-based system where employers can request background checks and review the completed reports online. Agencies typically charge per report and take between one and five days to complete the search process. You can c hoose between an agency that offers pre-set plans, one that offers a la carte options, or one that offers both.Editors NoteLooking for information on background check services? Use the questionnaire below and our vendor partners will contact you to provide you with the information you needCredit Anita RahmanHow Much Do Employment Background Checks Cost?There is no industry-standard fee for conducting an employment background check ? the price depends on which searches you need performed. Most background check agencies charge per report.Some companies offer bundled plans (multiple screenings and checks you can conduct under one plan), and others offer them on an a la carte basis. Of the providers that offer preset background screening plans, typically, they offer a few tiered packages.Actual costs and checks conducted for each plan will vary based on the provider you choose, but below is an average of what you can expect in terms of the typical services included in your typical basic , mid-tier, and premium-tier plan and the average cost of these plans.Basic screening package (Inexpensive plan to confirm a persons identity and criminal history)Cost $15 to $30 per reportScreens Basic criminal and identity verification, including Social Security number trace national criminal databases searches and sex offender registry searchesStandard screening (Affordable, mid-level plan ideal for small businesses)Cost $30 to $60 per reportScreens Everything offered in the basic plans, plus a domestic watch list search and a county criminal court search that searches through seven years of recordsPremium screening (Expensive, comprehensive plan for advanced screening)Cost $60 to $80 per reportScreens Everything offered in the standard plans, plus education and employment verificationsIn addition to the fee youll pay for a report, be prepared to shell out capital on additional fees.Some agencies charge a one-time setup fee, ranging from $25 to $50, to cover the cost of the accou nt verification process.You may also be charged third-party fees for specific checks, like education or employment verification, court fees and drug screenings. These fees vary by state and provider.In our research, most background check agencies list pricing on their websites, but some did not, and that, in many cases, is because the provider offers screenings that you can mix and match. In these cases, youll need to contact a representative for a price quote.If your company conducts background checks as part of its hiring process and you order multiple reports each year, you might be able to get a bulk discount ? its worth asking the service(s) youre considering if you qualify.What to Look for in a Background Check ServiceWith so many background check services available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your business. There are 10 important features to consider that will help you narrow down the best agencies for your business. Accreditation and compliance. The a gency must be FCRA compliant. If it isnt FCRA compliant, it legally cannot be used for pre-employment screening purposes. We also recommend hiring an agency that is accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS), since these accredited companies must adhere to strict guidelines.Accuracy. Ensure that the agency provides clear, accurate and complete written reports. The last thing you want is to make hiring decisions based on inaccurate information. Checks and screenings available. This is, perhaps, the most obvious thing to look for in a background check company. Choose an agency that can perform every background screen you need even if that includes supplemental searches like drug testing or motor vehicle records.Cost. Your budget may be a determining factor as to which company you choose. Factor in any additional fees you may be charged. Customer support. Background check companies offer support by phone, email and live chat. Choose an agency t hat offers your preferred method of support, and verify that they have helpful agents.Customization. This may not be an important feature if you find a company that offers the screenings you need in a bundled plan. However, customization features are useful for businesses that need unique background checks or advanced screens like drug testing and healthcare screening. Industries served. Does the agency serve your specific industry (transportation, manufacturing, etc.) or offer industry-specific packages? Most background check companies serve several different industries, but having industry-specific packages you can select from can ensure your candidate undergoes a thorough evaluation. Online portal. Having an intuitive online portal is essential for placing orders and viewing results, especially if you plan on performing multiple background checks.Technology. In addition to choosing an agency with an online portal, does the agency offer advanced technology features like electronic consent forms and ATS integrations. Turnaround time. How long does it take to get results? If you are working with a tight deadline, this can be especially important. Some companies list their turnaround times online.Other questions to consider when choosing a background check serviceDo they offer volume or commitment discount pricing?Do they match a competitors pricing?Does the service offer a la carte options?Is there a monthly minimum? If so, what happens if you dont meet it?Are you locked into a contract?What type of security measures are taken to ensure your employees information is secure?Do they have a dispute process for inaccurate information?Background Check Service FAQsStill not sure if you even need to conduct a background check? Here are several questions and answers that might help you come to a decision.Q. Why should I conduct pre-employment background checks?A. Businesses that dont use background checks when hiring new employees are putting themselves at risk. When a new employee who hasnt been properly vetted is hired, employers are basically welcoming a stranger into their business. Conducting pre-employment background checks can verify several important aspects of a potential employees background. Q. Background checks seem more useful to large businesses. Do small businesses need to conduct background checks?A. Small businesses have just as much, if not more, to lose from a bad hire. Bringing in someone with a criminal past who steals from the company or puts co-workers in danger could put a small organization out of business for good. If a new hire lies about their experience and qualifications, you may find them struggling to perform the duties you hired them to do, which can ultimately cost you more money in training. Many background check companies cater to small businesses specifically, allowing you to perform as few or as many background checks as you need.Q. Do background checks give any insight into what type of employee the candida te will be?A. Although a simple background check might not tell you how hard job candidates will work if hired, it can give some insight into their character by giving you an idea of how much you can trust them. It can also give you a look into their past education and experience, so you know what level of work to expect from them.Q. How many businesses find a red flag when conducting background checks?A. Red flags are more common than you might think. Arecent study by the background check company, HireRight,revealed that 84% of employers discovered a misrepresentation on a resume or job application, and 23% said their background reports uncovered a misrepresentation on an educational degree or credential.Q. If a criminal background check turns up a criminal record on a potential candidate, can you eliminate that person from consideration?A. As a standard rule, in order to eliminate a candidate from consideration, the type of criminal activity you find must be related to the employe es job duties. For example, if you are hiring an individual for a truck driver position, an underage drinking ticket from 15 years ago might not be a valid reason for disqualification but two recent DUI tickets could be.Q. Do you need a different type of background check service depending on your industry?A. It depends on the background check service. Some services have a comprehensive selection of screenings that cover a range of industries others are more limited or specialized in what they offer. There arereally only a handful of industries where standard employee background checks might not suffice. For example, those in the healthcare industry need to conductsome additional types of searches. Another is the transportation industry, which often requires a more extensive look at a candidates driving record. When choosing a service, ask the background check provider if it can conduct all of the screenings your business requires.Q. What does it mean for a background check service t o be accredited?A. TheNational Association of Professional Background Screeners(NAPBS) offers background check services the ability to participate in the Background Screening Agency Accreditation Program. Businesses must adhere to strict guidelines to qualify, so this accreditation is highly revered.The accreditation programreviews background check providers on several key areasConsumer protectionLegal complianceClient educationResearcher and data product standardsVerification service standardsGeneral business practicesAccreditation lasts five years. To remain accredited after that, the company must repeat thereview process.Q. With the popularity of social media, shouldnt background checks examine job candidates social network accounts?A. Although employers might be tempted to check out a candidates Facebook or Instagram page to learn more about his or her judgment and character, they could be opening themselves up to lawsuits by doing so. Because of this, it is generally best to st eer clear of these avenues and avoid personal bias. However, if you use social media as part of your background check process, take the proper precautions to avoid a lawsuit learn how to check social media the right way.Q. What penalties do you face if you dont follow the FCRA background screening laws?A. The two biggest repercussions of not following the laws are being sued by a job applicant, and being investigated and possibly fined by a government agency, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the National Labor Relations Board. Following FCRA laws are simple, and many background check companies provide users with additional information on the subject.If you think your business will benefit from hiring a background check service, we encourage you to check out ourbest picks pageto see which providers we think are the best for various types of businesses, the reason why we selected each service, and a comprehensive list of background check services and websites.Re ady to choose a payroll service? Heres a breakdown of our complete coverageThe Best Background Check Services 2019Best for Small BusinessesBest for Very Small BusinessesBest for Household EmployeesBest for Self-ServiceBest TechnologyEditors NoteLooking for information on background check services? Use the questionnaire below and our vendor partners will contact you to provide you with the information you need Skye Schooley Skye Schooley is an Arizona native, based in New York City. After receiving a business communication degree from Arizona State University, she spent nearly three years living in four states and backpacking through 16 countries. During her travels, Skye began her blog, which you can find at www.skyeschooley.com. She finally settled down in the northeast, writing for Business.com and Business News Daily. She primarily contributes articles about bus iness technology and the workplace, and reviews remote PC access software and collection agencies. 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