5 Ways Technology Dramatically Improves Background Screening

In an era when top talent is scarce and competition is intense, you don’t want to fall behind with lengthy, cumbersome background checks.

Many of today’s workers are digital natives who expect your technology to be as fast and simple as their consumer apps. While you’re judging candidates, they’re also judging you, and your application and background screening processes are their first introduction to your company.

Ninety-five percent of HR professionals say their brand is impacted by the candidate application experience. Satisfied candidates are 38 percent more likely to accept an offer and more than twice as likely to recommend your organization, an IBM study found.

Using modern technology for background checks will impress job candidates and save you time and money. Here are five ways you can use technology to improve the experience for everyone.

1. Integrate screening with your ATS

Background screening is part of your hiring process. You shouldn’t have to waste time switching between your screens and your applicant tracking system.

And you don’t have to. More sophisticated background screening companies will integrate with iCIMS, SmartRecruiters, VolunteerMatters, SilkRoad and a host of other programs for tracking candidates. Integration saves time and eliminates the errors and duplications that occur when you use multiple platforms.

You’ll be able to track the progress of your applicant from start to finish. When a check is complete, you’ll be notified, and you can view results right away on a secure web portal.

2. Let applicants enter their own information – from anywhere

Data entry eats into your valuable time. Fortunately, today’s tech-savvy job seekers are used to online self-service and mobile job tools. Why not extend that to background screening?

Some screening systems now allow candidates to securely enter their personal information from anywhere using a desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile phone. They simply take a picture of their driver’s license, and the information is automatically transferred to the right fields. Then candidates can electronically sign forms to authorize the background check.

Your applicants will be impressed with the smoothness and efficiency of your process, which is fully compliant with Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) rules. And you can spend less time uploading information and more time making strategic hiring decisions.

3. Instantly know which screens to use

Deciding what information to screen for can be a headache. Every candidate is different. So, you want to be thorough while avoiding unnecessary checks.

Some screening companies have smart tools that recommend the best background searches to perform, depending on the applicant’s attributes, your industry and other factors. This time-saving feature is based on years of industry research and data the companies have collected. Building a system like this yourself would be prohibitively expensive, but using one developed by a reputable company is cost-effective and efficient.

4. Perform multiple screens at once

Setting up different background screens can be a slow process, especially when you have a whole batch to do at the same time.

The good news is, some screening companies let you automate large numbers (or batches) of screens. You enter all the candidates’ information onto a pre-configured spreadsheet template, then upload it to a secure portal. The automated system does the rest, processing results while you start new searches, look for new candidates and set up interviews.

5. Easily track screens and stay compliant

More background screening companies are offering online tools and resources you can use to stay organized and better understand the screening process. Some tools allow you to track a screen’s progress at your convenience, 24/7. Others convey the latest industry news and alerts about critical compliance issues.

Additionally, a professional background screening company will have a comprehensive website with resources, guides and other best practices content to help you with your background checks. You may also find sample forms and documents, and chat support to help you understand how to use different features or information.

A peek at the future

Modern screening technology saves employers and HR professionals time while giving job candidates the smooth, seamless experience they expect. And future technologies hold even more promise.

One tool currently in development scans resumes and compares them to social media results to spot inconsistencies. Another captures the computer IP addresses of information that is supposed to be coming from job references – to make sure the “references” aren’t actually the applicant.

By using today’s tools (and staying aware of what’s in the pipeline), you’ll process more candidates in less time and set yourself up for a day when they can do even more to help.

 

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