Hiring is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get…

Unless you carry out background checks. But even if you’re conducting verification and screening in-house, how can you be absolutely sure that candidates have the qualifications, experience, and skills they claim?

What’s more, do you - as a business owner, hiring manager, or HR professional - really have the time, resources, and expertise to conduct thorough background checks? Do you know how to access and interpret sources like education records, employment history, criminal records, and credit reports? Not to mention the legal and ethical rules of background screening, like data protection, privacy and consent.

Fact is, you could be doomed if you do and doomed if you don’t.

Screening someone in-house is like making friends online

Modern technology makes it incredibly easy to get an inside scoop into someone’s life - and even easier for people to hide themselves.

Social media, for example, allows us to connect with people worldwide but also creates a false sense of trust. We sometimes accept friend requests from strangers without verifying their identity, background, or intentions.

Similarly, screening someone in-house can be risky and inefficient.

Why you should outsource background verification services

Outsourcing verification and screening not only saves you time, money, and hassle but also ensures that you find the best talent.

Hiring someone without proper screening is like letting weeds grow and hoping they’ll make the garden look pretty. Soon they’ll outgrow other plants, suffocate them, and spread until your entire garden is ruined. You’ll have to start from scratch.

There’s a reason why employee verification exists in the first place. Some job-seekers are quite comfortable with deception; manipulating their CVs, potential employers, and even co-workers. Others are desperate and will do whatever it takes.

Our advice? Turn to an objective third party to do the verification. Here’s why:

1.   Outsourcing simplifies processes and saves resources

Background checks require resources and manpower to collect, verify, and store data securely and efficiently.

When outsourcing, you only need to provide the basic candidate information; the service provider will handle the rest. They have advanced tools and methods of accessing and verifying data quickly and accurately. They’re also up-to-date with regulations, so you don’t need to worry about storing data correctly.

2.   You get access to accurate, detailed information

How do you know if the information you’re receiving is reliable? A candidate can claim to have 50 contactable references, but you’ll have no idea you’re talking to a cousin, grandmother, or uncle.

Outsourcing companies have access to extensive databases and networks with accurate information on various aspects of a candidate’s background. Remember, they do this for a living and are good at spotting wolves among sheep. Once they’ve cross-checked information and flagged discrepancies, they’ll give you a detailed report of their findings and highlight the red flags.

3.   Compliance and legal issues are handled for you

Several laws and regulations govern how background checks should be conducted, especially when it comes to data protection, privacy, consent, etc. As the person performing these checks, you must understand and follow local laws meticulously to avoid legal trouble or penalties.

Fortunately, knowledge of laws and regulations are part of the outsourcing agent’s job description. In fact, it’s part of the daily routine to follow these laws and standards while advising you on compliance before sharing or using the results.

4.   Risk mitigation is built in, as a hygiene factor

One of the main reasons you’re conducting background checks is to mitigate the risks of hiring unqualified or unsuitable candidates. Apart from poor performance, theft, violence, legal cases, and sheer inconvenience, you also risk damaging your company’s reputation.

To say verification specialists have seen it all is an understatement. They can help you identify potential risks or issues before hiring a candidate and give you the full lowdown on the person’s qualifications, experience, skills, character, and integrity.

5.   There is better confidentiality and data security

Screening someone is not just about protecting their personal and sensitive information. You also risk exposing your company’s information to unauthorised access, use, or disclosure. Pro providers have the correct systems and protocols to protect all parties using encryption, firewalls, passwords, and other security measures to keep data in the right hands. They also receive regular training on best practices, data protection, and privacy standards.

Need to verify candidates? Contact Network Recruitment for guidance on candidate screening, verification, and background checks.