Tips For Better Background Checks

Get Complete Information From Your Applicant. A background check will be based in part on the information provided by the applicant. If necessary information is left out - such as which campus of a state university was attended, or the city where they last worked - the turnaround time can be adversely affected.

Order An Address History Search. This search serves as the foundation of a thorough background check. By identifying the applicant's residency history, other searches such as County Criminal Records and Driving Records can be conducted in the proper locations.

Compare Background Check Results. Compare the address history provided on the candidate's application with the search results. If there are inconsistencies, ask the applicant for an explanation.

Include Work Locations. People spend a lot of time at work or in the area of their employer, so consider a County Criminal History search in this area as well if it differs from the applicant's Address History.

Credit Checks for Employment. Credit History Reports for employment purposes are different than those obtained for credit-granting purposes. The reports for employers have the individual account numbers screened out or altered (a fraction of it may appear or be substituted). Using a standard credit report for employment purposes is a violation of the FCRA.