ColumnsExpert Opinion

Why Background Checks Are Vital To Business Success

Business Success

A company is only as good as the people with whom it associates, which is why it becomes necessary to have effective background screening processes in place to weed out candidates who may be detrimental to the organisation’s interests. Whether or not it’s fair, the unfortunate truth is that a company will always be held liable for the actions of the people it employs, regardless of the circumstances. A single incompetent, malicious, or corrupt employee can permanently ruin an organisation’s reputation with clients, investors, the industry, and the general public, overnight. The only way to avoid such scenarios is to know exactly whom you are hiring.

There are multiple studies which indicate that a significant number of job seekers lie on their resumes, and as one’s seniority increases, so does their likelihood to withhold information from prospective employers, or make things up entirely. Comprehensive background checks negate the influence of this misinformation by verifying the applicant’s identity, education, and employment records, and even establishing a psychometric profile, analysing their social media habits, criminal history, and credit scores.

Human capital is seen as an organisation’s greatest strength, and any mistakes in the verification process may result in the hiring of an unsuitable candidate that can prove disastrous for the company, both financially, as well as in terms of its reputation. This is why it is advisable to enlist the services of professional background screening organisations, instead. While a company’s internal hiring teams may be adept at basic employee verification procedures, they almost always lack the resources, skills, and databases required for a comprehensive check. These security issues should not be taken lightly or left to chance, particularly when hiring for senior positions.

While even the most comprehensive background checks never completely guarantee the attitude and behaviour of an individual, they do significantly reduce the risk of hiring someone who might cause the company harm. Every organisation needs to put in place very strict and comprehensive hiring protocols to make sure it always gets the right candidate for the job, and settles for nothing less.

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