Human Resources (HR) departments today deal with a lot—tons of applications, tricky compliance issues, and tight schedules. Partnering with an employment screening company can ease the burden. This article breaks down how these partnerships can make life a bit easier for HR teams.
The Overburdened HR Department
Hiring is one of the most time-consuming parts of HR. From criminal background checks to reference checks, and verifying credentials, it’s a lot to handle, especially in larger organizations.
When the workload piles up, there’s a higher risk of rushed or incomplete screenings, which can result in negligent hiring and even hurt the company’s reputation.
How an Employment Screening Company Reduces Workload
An employment screening company can help lighten the workload by:
Automation
One great thing about working with a screening company is that they use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) for employment background checks, reference checks, and other verification tasks.
An ATS is software that simplifies recruitment by automating things like resume screening, tracking candidates, and managing hiring workflows. It cuts down on manual data entry, boosts accuracy, and speeds things up—all while minimizing mistakes.
Expertise and Compliance
A pre-employment screening company well-versed in the legal and compliance aspects of hiring. They stay informed as well as certified on the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other relevant federal and state regulations, helping reduce the risk of legal issues and supporting a more compliant hiring process.
Customized Screening Packages
A screening company can tailor their services to meet the specific needs of the different organizations and roles. Here are the common screening packages:
Basic Screening Package
It typically includes an SSN trace, a national criminal records search, and a check of the sex offender registry. It’s a common choice for entry-level roles or low-risk positions.
Standard Screening Package
This builds on the basic package by adding a county or statewide criminal record search, employment background check, and sometimes a 5-panel drug test. It’s a great option for mid-level roles that call for deeper screening.
Comprehensive Screening Package
This package includes everything in the standard option, plus federal criminal record checks, education verification, credit history (if needed), and a more in-depth drug test, like a 10-panel screening. It’s designed for sensitive or high-responsibility roles, like management, finance, or healthcare.
Industry-Specific Screening Package
This package is built around industry-specific needs, like Level 1 or Level 2 background checks (typical for healthcare, childcare, or government roles in Florida), fingerprinting, professional license verification, and DOT compliance tests. It’s made to meet the legal and regulatory standards for fields like healthcare, transportation, and education.
Drug Testing-Focused Package
This centers on pre-employment drug tests, like urine, hair follicle, or breath alcohol testing, with options for random or post-accident screenings. It’s usually paired with a basic criminal check and works well for companies using Florida’s Drug-Free Workplace Program to snag workers’ comp discounts.
Custom Enterprise Bundle
This package is fully tailored to a company’s needs, bringing together criminal checks, drug tests, and verifications. It integrates seamlessly with HR systems, offers ongoing compliance monitoring, and includes volume pricing—ideal for mid-to-large companies with complex hiring demands or lots of new hires.
Efficient Reporting and Data Management
An employment screening company can deliver clear, concise reports that are compliant with FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) guidelines. These reports are a valuable resource for making hiring decisions.
Reference and Credential Verification
Teaming up with a screening company takes the hassle out of reference and credential checks, saving you loads of time. Plus, they offer professional and impartial verifications you can trust.
Benefits Beyond Workload Reduction
Apart from easing the workload for HR, working with a screening company also offers these benefits:
Improved Quality of Hires
Using a pre-employment screening company can enhance the quality of hires. They bring proven methods, expertise, and compliance with regulations to the table. Their detailed reports support better, more informed hiring decisions.
Enhanced Compliance and Reduced Legal Risks
They’re always on top of federal and state laws, keeping everything up to date to help minimize any legal risks, so you can focus on hiring with peace of mind.
Faster Time-to-Hire
Automation streamlines everything, helping organizations get reports quickly. That means faster hiring decisions and a smoother process overall!
Focus on Other Key Strategic HR Projects
When a screening company takes care of part of the workload, HR teams get to focus their energy on bigger priorities—like building strong teams and enhancing company culture.
Choosing the Right Screening Company
Here’s what to keep in mind when picking the right employment background screening company in Florida:
Compliance
Look for a provider that sticks to state and local laws and follows federal regulations, like the FCRA—it’s crucial for staying compliant and avoiding legal headaches!
Expertise
Choose a company that really gets your industry and knows the specific screening needs that come with it—it makes all the difference!
Comprehensive Services
Make sure it provides employment background checks, drug testing, and verification services that fit your specific hiring needs—everything should align perfectly with what you’re looking for.
Speed and Accuracy
Go for a partner who can deliver quick and accurate reports— just the efficiency you need.
Technology and Integration
Check that they use up-to-date technology and offer easy-to-use platforms that integrate smoothly with your HR systems. It makes the whole process a lot more efficient.
Customer Support
Find a provider with responsive customer service that’s ready to tackle any issues quickly and efficiently, so you’re never left hanging.
If you’re in Melbourne, FL, check out Edge Information—a trusted screening company right in Brevard County.
Final Thoughts
A screening company is a great support for HR teams, taking on key screenings and verifications. They can save time, enhance compliance, and improve hiring quality, making the whole process much smoother and more effective.
Efficiency gets a major boost with automation. It streamlines the screening and verification process, minimizes errors, and delivers clear, concise reports—all of which help speed up hiring and make everything run more smoothly.
Another big advantage is staying compliant with regulations. A screening company is knowledgeable and frequently updated on various rules, helping you steer clear of any legal issues.
With less on their plate, HR departments can shift their attention to other key priorities, like improving employee engagement, refining policies, or enhancing workplace culture.
