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The following are the top four reasons to screen new applicants:
1. Deterrence of Potential Problems
Just having an employment background check can discourage applicants with something to hide. Making it clear that screening is part of the hiring process can deter potentially problematic applicants and discourage applicants with something to hide. An applicant with serious criminal convictions or falsified information on his or her resume is less likely to apply at a firm that announces preemployment screening and background checks are part of the hiring process.
2. Encourage Honesty
Many candidates who may have some blemish on their record may be well qualified for employment. However, employers need to be fully informed when making a hiring decision. Having a safe hiring program including employee background checks encourages applicants to be especially forthcoming in their interviews. Making it clear that preemployment background checks are part of the hiring process is strong motivation for applicants to reveal information about themselves they feel may be uncovered by a background check.
3. Fact-Finding
Although instincts play a role in hiring, basing a decision on hard information is even better. Effective employee background screening obtains factual information about a candidate in order to supplement the impressions obtained from an interview. It is also a valuable tool for judging the accuracy of a candidate’s resume since screening limits uncertainty in the hiring process.
4. Due Diligence
Implementing a Safe Hiring Program helps an employer practice due diligence in their hiring, and is a powerful defense in the event of a lawsuit.