Seasonal employees pose just as much risk as permanent staff. They need a consistent, compliant background screening process. Depending on the role, seasonal screening might need to include criminal records searches, employment, education, and license verifications, drug testing, and motor vehicle record checks. Employers hiring seasonal workers should conduct the same background checks they use for permanent employees, based on the responsibilities and risks of the position.
Do Seasonal Employees Need Background Checks?
Yes! Seasonal employees should be screened according to the responsibilities and risks associated with their positions, just like permanent employees.
Temporary employees may only be with your company for a short while, but they pose just as much risk to your organization as your full-time, permanent team members.
They can:
- Provide poor customer service which could damage your company’s reputation.
- Lack the skills and qualifications to perform the job.
- Cause time-consuming conflicts with current staff.
- Violate workplace drug and alcohol policies.
- Steal merchandise, data, or company property.
Which Background Checks Should Employers Use for Seasonal Workers?
Background screening should be part of every new hire’s vetting process, whether they’re permanent employees or not. Depending on the position’s responsibilities, the background check may need these elements.
Identity Verification Searches
Use services like Social Security number searches and identity document verifications to identify discrepancies or signs of fraud. Run them at the beginning of the screening process to help confirm the person being screened is who they claim to be.
Criminal Records Searches
Run a county criminal search on every county the applicant has lived, worked, or studied in during the last 7 years.
Run a National Criminal Database search to uncover potential “traveling crimes” you wouldn’t catch in a county search.
Employment Verification
Confirm key details of the applicant’s employment history like past employers, job titles, and dates of employment.
Education Verification
If the role requires a certification or degree, verify the applicant’s claims through a third party screener.
Drug Screening
Conduct appropriate drug testing the same way you handle permanent employees.
Motor Vehicle Records Search
This information is priceless if the applicant will be driving for the organization or operating a company vehicle.
Do Returning Seasonal Hires Need to be Screened Again?
Maybe. Rescreening former hires depends on company policy, the position, and how much time has passed since their last background check. A previous screening only reflects information available at that time. Employers should establish a consistent, written rescreening policy for returning workers.
How Can Employers Speed Up Seasonal Background Checks?
Time to hire is crucial, we know. Employers can speed up seasonal background checks without sacrificing thoroughness with:
- A well-trained team.
- Mobile-friendly authorizations.
- Automated candidate reminders.
- Pre-determined screening packages for seasonal positions.
- A background screening partner that offers efficient turnaround times, responsive support, and technology that keeps the process moving.
What Compliance Requirements Apply to Seasonal Employees?
Seasonal employees are generally subject to the same federal background screening requirements as other employees. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes requirements for disclosure, authorization, and adverse action. Employers must also follow applicable state and local laws that may impose additional restrictions on the use of background information in hiring decisions.
How Can Employers Get Prepared for Seasonal Hiring?
Preparing for seasonal hiring before applications start arriving is the key to avoiding holdups and confusion.
- Identify the positions you need to fill.
- Determine which background checks are appropriate for each role.
- Review screening and adverse action procedures.
- Prepare the candidate authorization processes
- Coordinate with the background screening provider ahead of anticipated hiring surges.
Seasonal Hiring Moves Fast
Don’t wait until seasonal hiring is underway to evaluate your background screening process. Review your seasonal positions now and identify the appropriate background checks for each role. A well-planned, consistently executed process helps reduce hiring delays and maintains fair, compliant hiring decisions.
