Background checks are more commonly used in many settings to verify a person’s identity and that any information provided to an organization requiring the information is accurate and complete. There are multiple uses for a background check in different settings or for different purposes. This article discusses when background checks are generally required and how…
Background checks are increasingly becoming a key part of the hiring process for many companies. However, many employers understand that the laws governing background checks can be a complex combination of federal, state, and local regulations. To make things more complicated, these laws often change as new legislation is passed. Therefore, any employer who uses…
Both California and Washington have passed legislation that will impact their pre-employment testing policies once the new year rolls around. Pre-employment drug testing is governed by a patchwork of federal, state, and local regulations, in addition to varying policies adopted by private and governmental employers. Given this variability, understanding the requirements surrounding pre-employment drug testing…
As laws and regulations governing employment and background checks evolve, there is often much confusion on the part of both employers and employees in terms of what is legal and allowable. One area that is especially prone to confusion is fair hiring laws, including adverse action and ban-the-box laws. Ban-the-Box Laws Explained Ban-the-box laws refer…
There is a popular movement nationwide to enact ‘Clean Slate Laws.’ These laws essentially reduce the availability of background criminal information to reduce housing and employment discrimination. With almost one in three U.S. citizens having a criminal history, these laws profoundly affect many individuals. What are Clean Slate Laws? Clean slate laws started in 2014…
It’s common for people to think that conducting a background check is much easier than it actually is in many instances. For example, some think you can simply enter a Social Security Number or an individual’s full name and location, and you will populate accurate results. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy in most cases. Criminal…
Companies are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) applications for various uses. These platforms can, boost efficiency and productivity, and help make better data-driven decisions. But AI is also finding increased use in hiring for many companies, including reviewing completed background checks. With over 90% of employers conducting background checks for some or all new hires,…
Background checks are an essential part of the hiring process, with approximately 96% of companies conducting some form of background check during the hiring process. But as privacy becomes a more pressing concern for many individuals and companies, more regulations have been adopted to protect certain rights during the background check process. In April 2022,…
As social media has become a more prominent element in most people’s lives, it also plays a more pivotal role in hiring. We’ve all heard horror stories about finding the perfect candidate only to have an old or new social media post turn up that’s incompatible with the company’s values. Many companies have had to…
Despite the fact that background checks are becoming a more common part of the hiring process, some business owners still don’t see the benefits of conducting background checks when expanding their staff. Instead, they view these screenings as unnecessary and expensive. But background checks can benefit your company in many ways, including preventing significant liability…
