FAQs

WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF A BACKGROUND CHECK?

A background check is an effective tool for mitigating risks when contracting employees or suppliers or in companies’ relationships with partners and clients. Its purpose is to verify and review background information in order to protect the company’s reputation and to reinforce its level of compliance.

DO BACKGROUND CHECKS COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS?

Companies are responsible for complying with each country’s legislation regarding protection of personal data. Domestic and international companies looking for screening partners should make sure their suppliers are aware of the laws in each country where they operate and monitor their compliance during the process of obtaining and handling sensitive personal information.

HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED FOR A BACKGROUND CHECK?

The scope of each check determines which type of information is required as well as the countries or states where information should be validated. This has a direct impact on the duration of the process. On average, a background check should take between 3 and 7 days.

IS IS POSSIBLE TO EVALUATE THE QUALITY OF THE REPORTS?

Two criteria should be taken into account in order to evaluate the quality of reports. The duration and level of UTVs (unable to verify) is as important as efficiency in delivery times and relevancy of information contained in the report. Often these two criteria are at odds, resulting in reports of poor or deficient quality.

IS THE CANDIDATE’S CONSENT REQUIRED?

When an employment candidate provides curriculum information, this may contain personal data that is protected by applicable laws in each country. For this reason it is very important that all background checks always begin with the candidate’s consent, so that the company is protected and complies with the law.

WHAT WOULD A COMPREHENSIVE BACKGROUND CHECK INCLUDE?

Not all positions within a company require the same level of verification. With this in mind, a very thorough background check process could include verification of academic and professional history; criminal, civil and labor litigation records; a review of national and international watch lists; and a review of social media. In come cases, drug testing would also be relevant.