Selecting a Background Screening Provider
Many organizations often seek out the cheapest background screening provider without fully understanding the disadvantages of doing so. All too often, these providers of background checks (who often create a false sense of security for their clients) rely on outdated, unproven resources to obtain information and faulty – and sometimes unethical or illegal – methods in preparing reports.
Searching for a background screening provider should be a careful, thorough process. There are a number of important characteristics you should seek out in a provider:
Information sources – Reputable screening providers go straight to the source, procuring records from courthouses or record repositories, contacting employers and educational institutions directly, and probing licensing bodies for information on certifications or credentials. Any databases or online resources used by the provider should be compiled at the original source, updated on a continued basis, and regularly tested for inaccuracies or outdated information.
Accuracy – Another key factor in better guaranteeing the information you receive on your applicants and employees is of the highest accuracy is to ensure your selected screening provider has an established quality assurance process in place. Investigators, data, and final reports should all be properly monitored with proven methodologies to reduce the likelihood of incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate information being released to you.
Compliance – Methodologies and information should be completely compliant with all necessary national, state, local, and industry-specific laws and regulations, such as the U.S. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and European data protection laws. Reliable employment screening providers procure information in strict accordance with these laws and regulations, reporting information that you can actually use to make legal and effective hiring decisions. The best screening providers have in-house legal counsel that monitor legislation to ensure their adherence to these regulations, as well as keeping you updated of such changes to better strengthen your organization’s compliance.
International capabilities – Today’s world is increasingly multinational, as more people have lived, worked, or studied outside the country in which your organization is based. Your screening provider should be able to procure information on these individuals. Make sure you ask how they’re getting this information – through in-house resources or contracted third parties? A provider who professes international capabilities should also demonstrate extensive language expertise and knowledge of cultural protocols.
Experience – The best background screening providers have lengthy histories of providing background information to their clients. You should look for a provider with at least five years of service – if not more. Don’t forget to ask for references, as track histories are important indicators of a provider’s reliability and record of customer service.
Understanding of your industry - You should also be careful to work with a screening provider with numerous clients in your industry sector. This expertise will prove valuable in guiding you to decisions on who, what, and how to screen.
Why Choose Kroll?
Now that you know the basics of selecting a screening provider, why should you choose Kroll as your background screening partner? The reasons are obvious – Kroll exceeds all the baseline requirements outlined above:
Information sources – Kroll relies on primary sources and the authority of record to procure our background information.
Accuracy – Kroll firmly stands by the information we release to our clients, as it is vetted through a proven quality assurance process. We continually audit our process to ensure that it is working as effectively as possible, always looking for new ways to provide you accurate information as quickly as possible.
Compliance – Kroll’s processes and information meet the requirements set by all applicable laws and regulations. Our in-house counsel works tirelessly to help us stay on top of ever-evolving legislation that impacts the way in which we procure and report information.
International capabilities – Kroll’s global capabilities are unparalleled. Through our far-reaching network of offices, Kroll professionals across the world help service our clients’ accounts.
Experience – Kroll has one of the longest histories in the business – more than 35 years of providing background screening services.
Understanding of your industry – Kroll professionals have deep experience in working with a variety of industries and organizational types. Our professional expertise and distinctive partnering approach help you get the information that best suits your needs.