Data Facts Background Screening Blog

We’ve all heard the saying “you get what you pay for” but do any of us follow those words of wisdom all the time? Cheaper prices are tempting because it lets us keep money in our pocket to spend on other things.

Topics: Background screening, background checks, Vendor Management, choosing the best vendors, background screening process

States are opening back up and organizations are starting to bring work-from-home employees, as well as furloughed ones, back to their original work spaces. However, employers can’t simply open the doors and proceed as though everything is back to normal. COVID-19 is still a serious concern and spreading it is as easy as it’s ever been.

Topics: Background screening, COVID-19, workplace safety, COVID-19 screening

“I don’t believe you.”

While we probably don’t need to come right out and say that to job candidates’ faces, it’s important to understand that everything they are telling you may not be the whole truth.

Topics: Background screening, faking degrees, background screening company, background screen, background check, resume lies, 7 steps, Best Practices, social security trace, background checks, background screening practices, Verifications

In the wake of COVID-19 employers are striving to keep their businesses open and profitable. Doing this means that there is still hiring that must be done.

Topics: Background screening, background screening company, COVID-19, employment screening, background screening process

We know our employees do it. But, do we as their employer have a right to regulate it?

We are, of course, talking about social media.

HR asks this question all the time regarding social media, and the answer can be difficult to pinpoint. Every organization must decide the protocols they want to put, if any, in place, and how to write the policy so it’s fair to the employee and protective of the workplace.

Does a company have a right to require or prohibit their employees from certain social media posts? And what are the consequences of breaking such a policy? Read on to have all your questions answered.

Topics: social media screening, Background screening, HR Professionals, Litigation avoidance, Employer hot topics, social security trace, background screening practices

This article was written by Ryan P. Lessmann and first appeared on the National Law Review website.

In an effort to prevent persons with criminal records from being automatically ruled out for job vacancies, Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed “ban the box” legislation. The new law will go into effect in September 2019 for employers with at least 11 employees, and employers with fewer than 11 employees have until September 2021 to comply.

This makes Colorado the 13th state to enact “ban the box” legislation for private employers.

Topics: Colorado, Background screening, Hiring, Ban the Box, Employer use of criminal records

Data Facts periodically shares insights from other publications that are relevant to our audience. This article was written by Sharlyn Lauby of #HRBartender and first appeared on HR Bartender.

I knew that today’s title will get your attention. I’ve been waiting for someone to send me this question! I’m sure this reader’s note will resonate with many: 

I have a question regarding social media. Last year, we came across a candidate who had a number of recent social media posts expressing racially charged views. We decided not to move this candidate along in the selection process as these posts didn’t reflect our company’s values. Our thought process was:
1) They’re a reflection of our brand and we don’t want to be associated with those views and,
2) Those views probably wouldn’t be good for employee morale. 
Were we wrong to use social media in this way? Is there a legal issue with making decisions like this in the future? Would appreciate your insight!

Topics: Background screening, social media, Employer hot topics, industry expert, background checks, background check services

Driving is risky. Rampant smartphone use, construction, weather, and a variety of other factors work against drivers. It’s especially challenging for those who drive for a living. Add to that long hours of exhausted driving, potential issues with drugs or alcohol, and the chances of causing or being involved in an accident are above average.

At first glance, HR Professionals may think this article doesn’t pertain to them if they work in an industry besides transportation. However, organizations offering deliveries or employing a traveling sales staff are open to the costly risks that having drivers on the payroll brings.

Topics: Background screening, HR Professionals, driver screening, hiring process

HR Professionals understand the importance of properly vetting their employees. Using background checks to make certain the job candidate has the skills and education that are listed on the resume (and doesn’t have recent, dangerous crimes or drug use in their past that could be detrimental to the workplace) is an important responsibility. 

With the eruption of social media, hiring professionals have been tempted to peek at job candidates’ profiles. It could be argued, after all, that the individual shares posts, tweets, and photos of themselves. Why not use those to build a clearer picture and form opinions about them during the hiring process?

Topics: social media screening, Background screening, background check services

A Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania nursing home is now paying $7.5 million after being held responsible for the sexual assault of one of its patients by a fellow resident. On the surface, that may sound incredibly unfair, but the details of the case highlight a growing problem in the senior care industry. The assailant was a man with a known criminal history of sexual misconduct, and the nursing home knew of his record. 

Topics: Background screening, Baby Boomers, Criminal records, background screen, background check services