The Role of Technology in Employment Background Screening

The future is unpredictable, with the only consistency being change. Technology, for example, continues to change and adapt to meet new challenges while addressing old ones. No field is untouched by technology’s progress, and human resources is no exception—especially when it comes to screening potential employees. Take a quick look at the role of technology in employment background screening and what’s to come.

Background Screening Matters

Background screening—specifically, the process through which employers investigate a job candidate’s past and determine their suitability for a role—is and always has been a necessity. Broadly speaking, screening verifies whether a candidate is who they say they are. It verifies aspects such as their educational background, job history, skill set, references, criminal history (if any), and so much more. Background screenings minimize the possibility of a bad hire, protect employees and the brand, and ensure a safe, pleasant, and productive work environment. Background screening is a necessity, and companies need to conduct these screenings correctly.

Traditional Methods

Originally, background screening involved a tremendous amount of physical work on the employer’s part. Paperwork was a big part of it, as were phone calls and other manual verification processes. HR teams and employers could spend days contacting references and former employers, schools, and other people and entities who could verify the information the jobseeker provided.

The process took time, leading to reduced productivity, potential errors, and incredible frustration. Something had to change, and it did. Technology improved, and consequently, so did background screening.

Tech Changes Screening for the Better!

Several revolutionary kinds of technology have improved background screening by leaps and bounds. Here are just a few advances from the past few years that have helped human resources professionals perform their jobs with fewer hiccups.

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Automation of Processes

There’s nothing new about automation, per se. Automation has helped manufacturing, medicine, agriculture, and many other fields and industries. But how has automation helped background screening?

Automated systems handle most of the so-called grunt work of reviewing candidate’s backgrounds now. Ensuring a series of candidates receive, fill out, and submit paperwork once took a department of individuals days or weeks of work. Only afterward could the next steps of the hiring process begin, which inherently take time as well. The entire process can now happen online, from applications to credential verifications. Automating the tedious steps of the process creates a more convenient experience for HR professionals, hiring managers, and candidates alike.

Enhanced Accuracy

While human beings should continue to make the final assessments and decisions about candidates, advanced algorithms can now sift through thousands of virtual pages of information in no time. Such systems can select the most suitable candidates based on the information they provide while watching for typical red flags. Finally, the algorithms and other attendant programs can provide comprehensive and detailed reports for HR personnel to review. It simplifies a process that might have taken weeks in the past.

Real-Time Data Access

Previously, when you wanted confirmation that a jobseeker attended a certain college, earned a particular credential, or worked at a company, you had to call or mail institutions and companies. As you can imagine, that could take what felt like forever. Now, all records are available at the push of a button. HR professionals can verify a jobseeker’s criminal history, educational eligibility, past employers, and more in real time through email, online portals, and similar electronic means. Automatic, same-day (if not same-minute) verification is a reality.

Assured Compliance

Hiring is fraught with legal requirements, rules, and regulations. Complying with labor laws and other legislation ensures the company won’t risk fines and other legal ramifications while retaining a reputation as a fair and honorable employer. Modern background screening tech can follow the letter of the law as well as other standards.

Enhanced User Experience

While it’s great that technology can accommodate and benefit employers these days, it’s worth noting that the experience has become much more streamlined for job candidates as well. High tech has streamlined both the application and verification process for jobseekers. Candidates can submit information and applications online, of course. Even better, the candidate can follow the process of background screening as well, receiving alerts about their progress and more. Jobseekers appreciate efficiency and consideration for their time.

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Data Security and Privacy

While background screening may seem like an intrusive process on some level, the process should occur with the candidate in mind and keep their information private and secure. Newer encryption and security protocols, such as blockchain, ensure data is only available to the candidates and specific people representing the employers. Jobseeker information remains safe, and the company avoids potential litigation and bad publicity.

Types of Technology

Technology continues to advance and change every day, but there are a few commonly used bits of tech that make the process smoother and trouble-free.

Mobile Apps

Background screening isn’t restricted to work laptops and desk computers. Mobile apps now provide on-the-go accessibility so that HR professionals can review, initiate, track, and receive updates on background checks wherever they go. Greater flexibility means a more fruitful hiring process.

Social Media Screening

While HR teams should conduct social media screening cautiously, if at all, AI-driven tools can review a candidate’s online activities, looking for questionable behavior, inappropriate content, and other red flags. Naturally, companies must respect a candidate’s civil rights and privacy, but if their public behavior doesn’t align with the employer’s brand and reputation, they may not be a good fit.

What’s Next in Background Screening Technology?

That’s a basic survey of the role of technology in employment background screening, what’s happening now, and what may happen in the future. The hiring process should ultimately always have a human element to it, especially at the first and final interviews. However, HR professionals now have access to an amazing array of technological tools to streamline their work, ensure greater accuracy, and remain compliant with the laws and regulations covering employment.

Are you ready to take your background screening process to the next level? We offer assorted background check packages and other services. Contact us for a consultation today!