7 Must-Have Qualities of an Employment Verification Company
Introduction
Hiring the right people is one of the most important decisions your business can make. Unfortunately, this task is easier said than done, as many job applicants either falsify or exaggerate their qualifications on paper. A study by ResumeLab shows that 70% of applicants have lied or would be willing to lie on their resumes. This huge risk can cost your business time, money, and reputation.
Employee verification ensures you are hiring talent based on the truth. It reveals discrepancies early on, thus protecting your business from costly mistakes and ensuring you onboard people who fit the role.
Conducting employee verification in-house, however, can be demanding, especially if you don’t have the right tools or expertise. The back-and-forth, the time spent sifting through records, and the potential for error can pull you away from more important tasks. That is why it is best to seek help from employment verification companies like Q2 HR Solutions and let the experts do the legwork.
Read on to find out what you should look for when partnering with third-party employment verification companies.
What is Employee Verification?
Employee verification is a background check that confirms the accuracy of the applicant’s resume and job history. This process usually validates the following information:
Employment history
Employment date
Job titles
Previous salary
Reasons for leaving (optional)
However, employee verification has its limits in compliance with local laws to respect candidates’ rights and privacy. The Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173), for one, requires employers to obtain consent before collecting or processing personal information. The Labor Code of the Philippines also prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, and gender. Some employee verification checks that are either illegal or subject to strict regulations in the country include:
Unauthorized credit history checks: It is illegal to run a credit check without the applicant’s explicit consent. Financial information is considered sensitive personal data.
Excessive and irrelevant data collection: Asking about a candidate’s family background and personal habits is not allowed unless it is directly tied to the job or security needs. This is seen as invasive and unnecessary.
Whether you do it manually or leave this job to employment background check providers, employment verification needs to be fair and unbiased.
7 Qualities You Should Look for When Hiring an Employment Verification Company
It is essential to do your due diligence should you decide to partner with third-party employment verification companies. They should put your best interests first and help you streamline your hiring process. Here are seven things to consider to help you narrow down your options:
Quality and Accuracy
When it comes to past employment background checks, you should get the facts straight. Errors, like made-up job titles or incorrect dates, can have serious consequences. A reliable company can check the facts thoroughly, ensuring every detail is spot on. This is particularly important when hiring for senior or specialized roles.
Trustworthiness
A clean track record and a proven reputation are non-negotiable when hiring an employment verification agency. To gauge the quality of their services, look for client testimonials or ask for references. If the company has been around for a while and consistently earns high ratings, you can be more confident in their ability to do the job right the first time.
Efficiency
You need results fast, especially when hiring a large team or verifying multiple candidates. That said, look for an agency that can quickly process checks without skimping quality. If you are a growing company or in a high-turnover industry, a partner who delivers prompt results will help you stay on top and make timely hiring decisions.
Flexibility
Every company has different needs, so flexibility is key. Maybe you only need a quick verification for a handful of candidates, or perhaps you require a more in-depth check across multiple locations and job titles. A good employment verification company should be able to tailor their services to fit your specific hiring requirements.
Some companies offer tiered packages or customizable add-ons, such as drug tests, criminal background checks, or specialized role verifications. This flexibility ensures you are not paying for unnecessary services or missing out on the ones you need.
Transparency
Your agency should never leave you in the dark about how your verification process is going. They should clearly explain their process, timelines, pricing, and what information they will collect from your candidates. This is essential for managing expectations, especially under tight deadlines. Transparency also means providing you with regular updates on the status of your verifications.
Compliance
Employment verification has strict regulations on privacy and discrimination. Credible employment verification companies understand these legal requirements and ensure your checks comply with labor laws. Some even offer guidance on conducting ethical verifications ethically, which can be helpful if you are new to outsourcing this process.
Reachability
Good customer service means you don’t have to wait days for an answer or struggle to get a hold of someone. While verification companies don’t necessarily work around the clock, look for one that can quickly address any concerns you may have. They should be easy to contact through phone or email.
Conclusion
Protect your business and candidates by choosing a trusted third-party employee verification company. While they play a key role in streamlining your hiring process, remember that you are also entrusting them sensitive information. Make sure they tick all the boxes to ensure you partner with only the best in the industry.
Check out Q2 HR Solutions' services and take the next step toward making smarter hiring decisions today! Get in touch with us for more information.