5 Questions You Should Be Asking Your Background Screening Provider

If you aren’t a background screening professional, odds are you aren’t an expert in all things background checks. It can be difficult to know what the first steps are and even where to start. No matter your background screening needs, there are a few key questions to ask any time you’re evaluating a background screening company.

How Flexible are Your Solutions?

Is this company selling a one-size-fits-all product or a custom solution that is created for your needs? Many companies sell screening products as “convenient” for you, when in fact they’re only convenient for them. Make sure you’re getting exactly what you need when choosing a background screening partner.

Are you NAPBS Members?

The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) is the professional accrediting agency for the background screening industry. Accredited NAPBS members are held to a strict set of professional standards that are vital to the safety of your business and your candidate’s data. Partnering with an accredited NAPBS member means you will get professional services that are held to a high standard.

Is Any of Your Data Stored Offshore?

Some companies may use offshore workers to cut costs. Data security laws and regulations can be laxer in other nations, exposing both your company and your candidates to the risk of data theft. By having data stored in secure facilities within the U.S., you reduce the number of opportunities that hackers have to access it illicitly.

How Quickly are Your Checks Completed?

You want results in a timely manner. You also want comprehensive, secure, and quality results. Because there is no such thing as a “standard” background check, some speedy checks can be very weak or provide incomplete information. Find a balance between the timeline you require when processing an candidate and the comprehensive screening you need.

Can I Speak with a Customer Service Representative?

Want to know what your candidates might experience when their background check is conducted? Ask your prospective screening company if you can run a test of the whole process. Something as simple as having a U.S.-based customer service representative available could make the difference between a problem made worse and a problem solved. Performing a trial run will help you ensure that your candidates will have an excellent experience, first hand.

Whether you’re shopping for a new screening company, setting up your program for the first time, or reevaluating your existing contract, these questions can help you find the screening partner that is right for your business. Ready for a custom screening solution? Contact ClearStar today!

At ClearStar, we are committed to your success. An important part of your employment screening program involves compliance with various laws and regulations, which is why we are providing information regarding screening requirements in certain countries, region, etc. While we are happy to provide you with this information, it is your responsibility to comply with applicable laws and to understand how such information pertains to your employment screening program. The foregoing information is not offered as legal advice but is instead offered for informational purposes. ClearStar is not a law firm and does not offer legal advice and this communication does not form an attorney client relationship. The foregoing information is therefore not intended as a substitute for the legal advice of a lawyer knowledgeable of the user’s individual circumstances or to provide legal advice. ClearStar makes no assurances regarding the accuracy, completeness, or utility of the information contained in this publication. Legislative, regulatory and case law developments regularly impact on general research and this area is evolving rapidly. ClearStar expressly disclaim any warranties or responsibility or damages associated with or arising out of the information provided herein.