The process of conducting a background check has been in existence for decades, and it’s been an effective tool that employers, landlords, and other organizations use to know more about their potential candidates. A background check involves a series of procedures that aims to verify the information given by the candidate, and it usually covers criminal history, education verification, employment history, credit check, and reference checks, among others. However, the question that lingers on the minds of many is; how accurate are the results of background checks?
When an organization conducts a background check on a candidate, the results obtained are considered accurate, especially if the assessment was conducted by a reputable organization. However, it's important to understand that the results of background checks may not always be 100% accurate, and there are several factors that can affect its accuracy.
One of the most significant factors that can affect the accuracy of background checks is the quality of the information provided by the candidate during the application process. For instance, if the candidate provides false information, it can lead to inaccurate results. This is especially true when it comes to criminal records checks, where the applicant may not disclose some of their criminal records or may provide false information about their conviction history.
Another factor that can affect the accuracy of background checks is the quality of the data sources used by the background check company. In most cases, background check companies rely on public records, which may not always be up-to-date or accurate. For instance, if a criminal record or an arrest is not updated in the public record, it may not show up during the background check, leading to inaccurate results.
Additionally, depending on the type of check being conducted, the results may be subject to interpretation. For instance, credit checks are often subjective, and the results may vary depending on the policy of the organization conducting the check. The credit score of the applicant may not always tell the full story about their financial situation. Therefore, the results of a credit check may not always be accurate.
Moreover, in some cases, the background check company may rely on third-party sources to verify the information provided by the candidate. For instance, the company may contact previous employers and educational institutions to verify employment and educational history, respectively. However, this information may not always be accurate, especially if there is a communication breakdown between the candidate and their previous employers or institutions. In some cases, the employer may provide inaccurate information intentionally or unintentionally, leading to inaccurate results.
Despite these factors, there are several measures that employers and background check companies can take to improve the accuracy of the background checks. They include the following:
1. Thoroughly vetting the background check company- Employers should ensure that they work with reputable background check companies that follow strict guidelines and procedures when conducting background checks.
2. Encouraging transparency from candidates- Employers should encourage candidates to be transparent during the application process and provide all relevant information to avoid inaccuracies.
3. Checking multiple sources- Background check companies should check multiple sources, including public records and primary sources, to verify information and avoid discrepancies.
4. Considering context- Rather than focusing solely on the results of the background check, employers should consider the context of the candidate's situation and make an informed decision.
5. Providing candidates with an opportunity to dispute results- Employers should provide candidates with an opportunity to dispute the results of the background check and allow them to review and correct any inaccuracies.
In conclusion, background checks are an essential process that can help organizations make informed decisions about their potential candidates. However, the accuracy of the results may not always be 100%, and it's important to understand the factors that can affect its accuracy. By thoroughly vetting the background check company, encouraging transparency from candidates, checking multiple sources, considering context, and providing candidates with an opportunity to dispute results, employers and background check companies can improve the accuracy of background checks and avoid inaccuracies.
