Shield Screening Blog

Why Accuracy is Crucial to Your Background Screening Program

At Shield Screening, we understand that employers trust us to bring them the information they need. We go above and beyond every day to ensure the accuracy of our reports because we know that data can help you make informed decisions, mitigate your risks, and ensure the safety of both employees and customers. 

Building Trust and Confidence 

At the core of every background check, there must be trust. Employers need to trust their screening partners to get things right, and applicants must trust employers to use the information responsibly.  

Background screening reports pull information from many areas of an applicant’s life, from their employment history to any criminal convictions, professional certifications, and depending on the role, even credit checks and driving records. Just one inaccuracy can throw the whole hiring process off course.  

Making Informed Decisions 

When you have a great pool of applicants, choosing the right person to hire can be difficult. The background check process can either clarify things or muddy the waters.  

Suppose you are a nationally franchised daycare provider and need to hire a new teacher. You narrow your search down and think you’ve found the perfect person. When you receive their background report, things look great, and you make an offer. But what if that report missed something, and it turns out your new hire has a record for assault? You might not know anything is wrong until it’s your business on the news one day. The mistake could lead to trauma within your center and lost reputation and revenue in the long run. 

Now, let’s look at the flip side. Let’s say you have been searching for the right executive for months and find the perfect person. They are so good that several companies are trying to get them on board, but when you get their background report, there is a conviction for embezzlement. It’s a false positive; your applicant did nothing wrong, but they take another position in the time it takes to straighten things out. Not only does that applicant now have a sour feeling towards your company, but you are now back at square one. This costs you your hire, your time, and your money.  

Safety and Security 

It’s probably safe to say that all employers want to protect their staff and customers. Accurate background checks can help achieve that goal, especially for environments serving more vulnerable populations, such as healthcare facilities, schools, daycares, and nursing homes.  

Accurate background checks are essential to safeguarding not only people but also information. Many roles require access to sensitive information, and employers need to know that the people with access can be trusted explicitly. 

Compliance 

Accuracy in background checks is not just talk; it’s a legal necessity. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), screening providers are required to follow reasonable procedures to assure  maximum possible accuracy in their reports. There are strict guidelines companies must follow to  produce accurate results, ensuring an employer can make the most informed decision for their organization.   

Non-compliance can lead to legal liability, fines, and loss of trust. It’s another reason to ensure your company invests in a background screening partner that values accuracy above all else. 

SHIELD HAS YOUR BACK 

In a world that has such a vast amount of information available at everyone’s fingertips, it is paramount that you work with a screening partner who knows how to get you the right information. At Shield, we pride ourselves on our commitment to accuracy, precision, and integrity in everything we do. From thorough data collection to meticulous verification processes, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to deliver accurate background check results that our clients can rely on. Precision matters more than ever when making important decisions, protecting your business, and ensuring safety and security.  

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your screening needs.  

About the Guest Author

Jennifer Gladstone is a news anchor and journalist with more than 25 years of experience in front of the camera. During her broadcasting years, she worked in several local news markets, including Atlanta and Baltimore, and was the National News Anchor for Sinclair Broadcasting’s NewsCentral operation. She is now the owner of Gladstone Creative Media, allowing her to represent a broad group of clients in the energy, banking, technology, and human resources sectors.

Jennifer has been working in the Background Screening space since 2013, helping employers navigate and better understand this very complex yet essential piece of the hiring process.

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