Most industries will use background checks these days, even those that largely work with freelancers.
It’s easy to see why, as employers need to know they can trust who they are hiring. However, it can also seem like an inconvenience at first. Let us be the first to tell you: it isn’t.
Background checks are a vital part of the recruitment process. They don’t just assure employers that candidates are qualified for the role but also reduce the risk to customers and existing employees alike.
This post has listed four key reasons why background checks are routinely completed and why they are beneficial to employers and employees alike. No matter which side of the process you’re on, background screening is positive. Let’s dive deeper into why.
They Don’t Have to be Time-Consuming
Both employees and employers alike find themselves asking, ‘How long does a background check take?’. The answer to this largely relies on the responsibilities associated with the role being filled. Someone being verified for a surgeon’s role will take longer than someone for a receptionist’s role.
For most positions, background checks don’t take much time, meaning the benefit of conducting them heavily outweighs not running them. The employer receives reassurance that their candidate is legitimate, and the employee has the opportunity to prove their credentials.
Reduces the Risk of Fraud
It’s no secret that many job applicants lie on their resumes. In fact, almost 80% of job-seekers lie during the hiring process, so businesses have cause for concern. The extent of these lies can vary in severity, but dishonesty is always present.
With background checks in place, an employer can know that the applicant has all the qualifications and experience they need for the role.
Protects Data Security
Data security breaches in the workplace can be devastating, both financially and personally. Employers have a lot of responsibility to keep the private information of their customers and staff protected.
Given that most data breaches are conducted by people on the inside, background checks are the only guaranteed way to mitigate this risk. This is especially true if the role in question involves directly handling confidential information.
Keeps Staff and Customers Safe
Lastly, but by no means least, background checks keep customers and employees safe. A criminal history does not indicate that an individual will re-offend, but it is important information for employers to be aware of.
This is especially true if the previous offense was violent in nature and the candidate is applying for a role with a lot of responsibility. A cohesive workforce is a happy and productive workforce, and that relationship can only be achieved by hiring employees with good intentions.
Background Checks Aren’t an Inconvenience
Whether you’re a prospective employee or an employer, background screening is important and beneficial. They help preserve workplace safety and ensure that the individual you hire is appropriate for the task at hand.
Don’t rush through the recruitment process to get it over with as quickly as possible. Hiring the wrong person will cost you more than just money, and you will often have to repeat the process. Do it right the first time, and you won’t be sorry.