4 Ways to Speed Up Background Checks

A quick personal investigation enables your organization to obtain top ability and improve profitability through filling open job positions all the more rapidly. In light of this, it's not surprising that many recruiting managers see turnaround time as the most significant factor when conducting a background screening. Turnaround time is the average time between beginning and end of the job interview process of candidates. After completing interview process, the essential task of completion of background check arises. This is the final task in hiring but the most essential one in deciding eligible candidates. Recruiters mostly assign this task to third party agencies by outsourcing the task to pre employment screening companies.

Despite the fact that a pre employment screening company tries to complete background checks quickly, there are various factors that reduce the speed. Some factors, such as verification delays from an employer, an inefficient retrieval system for court records, or a slow response from a county clerk, are outside the control of a screening provider.

But there are certain things you can do as an employer to improve the speed of your background checks:  ​

1) Choose the right background screening company

Most of the employers take into account cost alone and are ready to compromise on quality and turnaround time. But in the long run it is only going to cost more for the company if quality of hire is bad. If we consider the time invested in hiring and loss of productivity from the vacant positions or wrongly filled positions, cost is much more compared to before mentioned case. It is essential to choose the background screening companies with quick turnaround. It is better to hire local companies compared to overseas agencies, which often create longer turnaround times because of language barrier.

2)Leverage the online process

If your provider collects candidate data online, leveraging their process will improve hiring efficiencies. An online ordering progress or applicant tracking system integration creates many benefits for an employer.  It will reduce data errors, duplicate information, and expedite obtaining candidate approval for employee background screening. A smooth online process also improves the candidate experience – creating a stronger brand and impression of your organization.

3) Provide all applicable documentation

Screening companies need specific documentation before they can run a background check. Some information is required to run a search, such as a candidate’s unique identification number and date of birth. Other documentation, such as a signed disclosure and authorization forms is required mostly. Before submitting an order to verification company, review a checklist of required materials. If you submit an order without required information, it will take more time for the background check companies to follow up for more information. Through ensuring they have everything they need the first time, you will reduce a delay in the screening process.

4) Submit your screening request early in the day

Many screening companies have a lot of data to be verified on their task lists. Because orders are typically processed in the order they are received, an early request makes it more likely that your order will begin processing in the same day.  ​

These steps ensure a faster turnaround time, which has significant benefits in hiring. If an employer complete background checks quickly and offer job position to candidates without much delay, they will be deeply interested in the role instead of seeking other options. Through implementing the above steps, you can mitigate unnecessary delays in your background check turnaround times and speed up pre-employment background checks.