Data Facts Background Screening Blog

Background Screening for New Employees: What It Is, and What It's Not

Apr 17, 2015 9:29:00 AM

The majority of employers understand the need for background checks, but still may not fully realize the best way to utilize these reports to make smart, but still compliant, hiring decisions.

Here are a few quick points of what background screening for new employees is, and what it is not.

It is: a way to minimize the risk of making a bad hiring decision. Information in an applicant's background can give evidence to the person's work ethic and honesty.

It's not: a way to discriminate against individuals. While the background check may uncover negative information, it shouldn't be used to discriminate against protected classes. Make certain you background screening policy is fair and consistent, and fits with the job responsibilities. For example, a janitor in a warehouse shouldn't be judged by a credit report, as it has no bearing on the position.

Topics: Pre-employment screening, background screen, background check, resume lies, Good hiring practices

What Skeletons are YOUR Applicants Hiding?

Posted by Susan McCullah

Sep 8, 2014 12:54:16 PM

Are you SURE there are no skeletons in your job applicant's closet? You know, the sort of nasty little secrets like a conviction or drug problem that could be BIG issues for your company?

The prevalence of background screening practices may lull HR professionals into thinking they are immune to being negatively affected by new hires. The truth is that key pieces of the applicant’s background could still be overlooked.

What skeletons are your applicants hiding?

Here are a few ways that those skeletons could be missed during the screening process.

You are looking in the wrong closet. Pre-employment screening works most effectively when the beginning information is accurate.

Topics: Employment screening policy, fake diplomas, background check, resume lies, 2014 hiring

The 4 Biggest Lies Found on Resumes

Posted by Susan McCullah

Aug 13, 2014 1:17:44 PM

Fishing tales are not the only times people tell whoppers! You may have read one on the last resume you reviewed, and don't even know it. And falling for them can lead to bad hiring decisions.

Topics: Data Facts blog, reference check, Employment screening policy, resume lies, 2014 hiring

Eek! I Missed WHAT?! Top 10 Background Screening Mistakes Pt 3

Posted by datafactssolutions

Feb 4, 2014 10:30:07 AM

This week, we will finish up our list of top 10 background screening mistakes.
Here are the final 3:

Topics: Data Facts blog, Pre-employment screening, NAPBS accreditation, reference check, Background screening, Employment screening policy, faking degrees, fake diplomas, background screening company, Criminal records, NAPBS, background screen, background check, criminal records search, degree fraud, resume lies, 2014 hiring, wordpress blog, Good hiring practices

Top Lies People Tell To Get Hired

Posted by datafactssolutions

Apr 25, 2013 11:13:00 AM

The resume looks great. His suit is pristine. His education and references are impeccable. His answers are polished and smooth. He is the perfect candidate.
Or, he could be lying through his teeth.
A resume may be a completely factual and truthful document, or it may be a complete fabrication. Studies have shown almost half of resumes contain some sort of mistruth.
Why do they do it?
To compete. Jobseekers are competing in a difficult market, often times going up against dozens of people for just one job. Exaggerating their skills is a way to ‘get a leg up’ on the competition.
To hide. A person with a negative work history or a criminal record may choose to fudge their resume so they don’t have to explain these instances to a new employer.

Topics: Data Facts blog, Pre-employment screening, reference check, Background screening, fake diplomas, background screening company, Hiring, background screen, background check, degree fraud, resume lies, wordpress blog