My Account | Join Us

News Old

Finding the Right Employees: Making the Most Out of Background Checks

The hiring process can be frustrating if the correct checks aren’t in place. Some may feel that a background check isn’t needed, but those who aren’t the right fit for a role can end up costing the business money regarding training and onboarding.

Of course, new businesses can be fearful that background checks are costly and drawn out, but this isn’t the case, especially when employing the services of a professional.

What Background Checks Are Needed?

Several background checks can be needed when employing people for a job role. The following is an overview of some typical job roles and the type of background checks that could be required when applying for a job.

Office Worker

The office environment can deal with a lot of information, and some can be more sensitive than others. Because of this, the backgrounds checks needs can range from a simple credit check to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.

Police Officer

Those applying to become a police officer will often be subject to several checks, including an Enhanced DBS Check, credit check, and Right to Work. The number of checks needed ensures confidence in the person carrying out a responsible role to the best of their ability.

Teacher

As teachers will often be working within close proximity of children, they will usually need an Enhanced DBS Check to ensure the facility meets Ofsted regulations. Schools may carry out other checks to ensure the person is genuine, including identification and credit checks.

Call Cente Operator

The type of background checks needed for a call centre can depend on the nature of the calls the person will be dealing with. People working on a helpdesk may only need a Basic DBS Disclosure. However, those helping people with finances or dealing with transactions may require an Enhanced DBS Check and a credit check.

As the examples show, there is no set routine when carrying out background checks. It isn’t unusual for a business to update its screening methods every couple of years to ensure they recruit the best employees possible.

However, a business that processes its own background screen can find the task is time-consuming, meaning it is more cost-effective to outsource the job. However, this isn’t the only benefit of using a professional agency for background screening.

Why Use a Professional for Background Checks?

When a business carries out its own background checks, it may not have all the necessary information to conduct a thorough screening. Outsourcing the task to a professional agency ensures that all background checks are carried out correctly.

Furthermore, there can be additional services businesses can take advantage of, including document verification. Presenting identification is a must when hiring employees; the naked eye alone isn’t always enough to determine when a document is genuine, but artificial intelligence can make the process seamless.

Of course, there is still a need for manual checks, but when paired with AI, thousands of different checks can be carried out instantly, allowing businesses to filter.

Why Does a Good Credit Score Matter?

Credit checks are often associated with financial products, but this isn’t the only instance when they are used. As such, a good credit score is essential for several reasons. The following is an overview of when a credit check will be carried out and why a good score is necessary.

A Good Credit Score Helps People Secure Lower Interest Rates

When carrying out a credit check for loans or credit cards, a person’s credit history will often dictate the interest rate they’re given. Those with good credit scores will often enjoy low-interest rates.

However, those with a low credit score are considered a risk, meaning if credit is given, the interest will be much higher than those with a good credit score.

Credit Scores Are Used by Landlord and Housing Agencies

Although many only think of credit checks when applying for finance and loans, they’re also commonly used when applying for a property lease.

If a person has a poor credit score, then this could affect the likelihood of an offer. In other instances, tenants may be asked to pay a larger deposit or secure a guarantor before a tenancy is offered.

A Credit Check Can Be Part of a Job Application

Companies can carry out several background checks when applying for a job, depending on the role. Although credit checks are used for those working in a financial setting, businesses and organisations can also use them to verify a person’s identity.

Permission will be needed before a company carries out a credit check, but a business must make an assessment to make a job offer.

Can a Credit Score Be Improved?

Given a credit score’s importance, many will be keen to see if they can improve it. Those who need clarification on what information is listed on their file can request a credit report from the following agencies.

Experian
Equifax
TransUnion

As the three agencies are separate entities, you will need a report from each to ascertain what details are held about you when a credit check is carried out.

The first thing you should do is ensure all the details held on the report are correct. Although mistakes are rare, they can happen, and the person has to contact the relevant credit reference agency to ensure that any misinformation is corrected.

If all the details on a credit report are factual, then a change in habit is often needed when improving a credit score. In addition to ensuring all financial commitments are made on time, you should also look to reduce any current debt you may have.

Financial difficulties can also cause a poor credit score due to not having money in place to meet financial commitments. If this is the case, you should seek assistance as soon as possible. Although the steps taken won’t mean an instant improvement to a credit score, reviewing and improving your current status ensures it will improve over time.

How Credit History Can Affect Employment

Many people can be under the impression that credit checks are only used when applying for loans, mortgages, and credit cards, but this isn’t the case. Although credit searches are used by those wanting to borrow money, they’re also used to verify a person’s identity and establish whether they’re the right fit for a job role.

The following is an overview of how credit searches are used when applying for a job and how credit history can affect employment.

Why Credit Searches are Carried Out

There can be many instances when those applying for a role aren’t always doing so for the right reasons. A business must undertake several checks to ensure Data Protection is maintained and the company is protected.

In addition to verifying a person’s identity, employers and organisations can also use them to check that a person is responsible with money, which can be essential when applying for a job involving finance.

If a good credit score is a role requirement, a business will typically make this apparent during its hiring process. However, those with any questions regarding background checks should reach out to the company before making an application.

Does Poor Credit History Affect Employability

A poor credit search may not look great, but it doesn’t always mean an employer will deny a job offer. However, if a person has stated the credit is flawless on the application, only for a credit report to show otherwise, this could be deemed dishonest.

As such, those unsure of their current credit score should obtain credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion and ensure all the information is current.

Although each agency will give a realistic outlook of your credit score, obtaining a report from each ensures you have all the information regarding your financial history and allows you to make sure all the information contained on each is correct.

Can a Credit Search Be Carried Out at Any Time?

Companies who run a credit check as part of the job application will make applicants aware of this during the hiring process. Permission is needed to carry out a credit check, so a company can only request them after this is granted.

If regular background screening is a requirement for the role, then the business will explain this process. For example, although an employee may not need continuous credit checks, staff may require regular DBS Checks.

How Long Does a Credit Check Take?

Credit checks can often be completed in as little as two days, but there can be instances when the process takes longer. When the process takes longer, it can often be because the person cannot be located by the information given, so additional documentation is needed.

In addition to requesting the documentation, businesses will also need to ensure the documentation is genuine. Fortunately, this can be done immediately when using an external professional agency.

Why Liveness Checks Are Essential for New Businesses

A business may need to verify the background of customers or employees, but conventional methods can be dated and take some time. Fortunately, liveness checks can ensure that a business is not hindered by a long-winded background screening process and can offer customers and employees a streamlined service.

The following is an overview of what liveness checks are, and why they are essential for new businesses.

What Are Liveness Checks?

Liveness checks are carried out via smartphones and help establish a person’s identity. There are two variations of liveness checks referred to as ‘active’ and ‘passive’. Active liveness checks will ask the user to submit a selfie so it can be matched with other information.

Active liveness checks will take the same approach but also ask the users to carry out a sequence of actions, which ensures the biometrics used cannot be manipulated.

Both offer businesses an additional layer of protection and can provide companies with the following benefits when implemented.

Avoid Fraudulent Applications

Companies and organisations can spend a lot of time dealing with fraudulent applications for credit and jobs, which can mean it is less productive.

Liveness checks ensure that those making applications, giving businesses peace of mind that protection is in place. Liveness checks also mean that the company can focus on other areas of the business and expand accordingly.

Conform to Anti-Money Laundering Regulations

Many businesses must carry out due diligence when contending with money laundering. Some companies can be at more risk than others, but liveness checks ensure that any investments or capital are being obtained via legitimate sources.

A business that fails to carry out the necessary checks regarding money laundering could find its business is affected, and there could be further ramifications if the company is deemed responsible.

Liveness checks are fast and affordable and can be enough to deter those wishing to use a platform for nefarious means.

Faster Authentication Process

There will often be times when a business has to request paperwork and ensure it is genuine. Although some professionals have experience spotting fake documentation, the sophisticated ways fraudulent paperwork is prepared can mean many businesses need some assistance.

Document verification and liveness checks ensure that every step is taken to verify the person’s identity, allowing for faster customer verification. Not only does this benefit the business, but also ensures that job applicants can be kept informed about their progress within a short time frame, making a successful hire more likely.

Faster Onboarding Process When Hiring New Employees

The hiring process can be long, so companies are keen to find faster ways of onboarding employees while ensuring they’re fully aware of their responsibilities and what the role entails. Liveness checks can take the pressure off human resource departments and help save a lot of time when verifying the identity of applicants.

Of course, there will still be a need to communicate with the applicant, but liveness checks ensure a business is protected and is more productive when hiring new employees.

How Easy Is It to Verify a Document Online?

Whether you’re a business wanting to hire new employees or a financial institution offering credit, document verification can be essential for background checks. Despite the stringent checks in place when vetting individuals, there can still be instances when some attempt to use false documentation.

Although instances can be rare, a business or organisation must be prepared for all eventualities. Fortunately, document verification can be carried out quickly without needing paperwork to be posted.

What Is Document Verification?

Document verification is a process that ensures paperwork is genuine. As well as being used to carry out background checks, document verification is also used to ensure no unknown criminality occurs, including money laundering.

Although most of those forwarding documents for verification are genuine, having a verification service ensures complete peace of mind in every instance.

Online document verification serves the same purpose but takes advantage of artificial intelligence, allowing businesses and organisations access to fast and affordable document verification.

How Long Does Online Document Verification Take to Complete?

One of many concerns regarding online document verification is that the process can take several weeks. Although this may be the case when using some providers, a trusted third-party agency ensures that validation can be done as soon as possible.

In most instances, online document verification can be completed on the same day. Due to the advancements in artificial intelligence, an online platform can determine inconsistencies and irregularities within seconds.

Furthermore, human interaction is also used to give clients complete peace of mind that every possible check has been made when carrying out verification checks.

Are There Any Limitations Regarding Document Verification?

Some may be deterred from using document verification, believing businesses and organisations can verify only a few documents, but this isn’t the case. Using the right agency ensures that there are plenty of options available when verifying your documents online.

Professional agencies can help businesses and professionals can help verify EEA and non-EEA documents, as well as over 4,000 global identity documents, ensuring people can carry out fast and efficient checks in every instance.

All that is needed for online document verification to take place is a scan or photograph of the document, and the agency will carry out the rest.

Why Is Online Verification Better Than Human Document Analysis Alone?

Although there are professionals who can verify a document, it can take some time, especially with the sophisticated methods used when creating false documentation. Those who have several background checks to carry out will be searching for a fast and reliable solution that is also cost-effective.

Outsourcing document verification to a professional third party ensures that a business can focus on demanding aspects of the business and be confident that no false documentation is being used.

Using a third-party agency also ensures the business can use its time in other areas of the company, often making online document verification a cost-effective solution for businesses.

Can You Fail a Credit Check for a Job?

Although credit checks are commonly used when applying for finance, they are also integral when applying for jobs. As such, one of the most frequently asked questions is, can you fail a credit check for a job? The short answer is yes, but it can depend on the circumstance and the role being applied for.

Why Are Credit Checks Used for Jobs?

Credit checks are used, for the most part, to verify the identity of a person when applying for a job. Still, there can be instances when a person’s financial background influences the business when making a hiring decision.

For example, those applying for a job as a financial advisor will be expected to manage money proactively. If several defaults or missed payments are recorded on a credit file, it could mean the person is not the right fit for the role.

Although this isn’t always the case, and there can be legitimate reasons why defaults occur, it is something to be mindful of when seeking employment.

Another reason why credit checks have become an essential part of the hiring process because businesses are becoming more proactive when protecting customers and employees. Failing to carry out some basic background checks could mean a company is susceptible to fraud or money laundering.

Carrying out credit checks and other forms of background screening ensures that businesses take all the necessary measures to safeguard those involved within the company and its customers.

Can Credit Searches Damage a Credit Score?

When applying for a job, the last thing a person wants to do is reduce or damage their credit score by having several searches carried out. Although credit searches, referred to as ‘hard searches’ can lower a credit score, pre-employment checks do not.

Pre-employment checks are referred to as ‘soft searches’ and will not impact the person’s credit score.

What Factors Are Considered Regarding a Job Role?

Several factors are considered when applying for a job, and a credit check won’t always be the deciding factor as to whether a job offer is made. However, the type of checks carried out can depend on the role.

A credit check is one of several background checks companies and organisations may carry out, so even a flawless credit history does not guarantee a job offer.

If, when applying for jobs, a person is unsure of why their credit score is causing a problem, they should obtain a copy of their credit report as soon as possible. In addition to being able to spot any information causing them problems, they can also ensure that all information is correct.

Why Do Some Companies Use Professional Agencies for Credit Checks

Carrying out a background check can seem straightforward, but a lot of information is needed, and businesses must follow some regulations.

Businesses understand the time-consuming process and find it more cost-effective to outsource the task. In addition to being cost-effective, using a professional legacy ensures that companies can offer applicants a better onboarding process.

The Benefits of Secure Cloud Storage Regarding Document Verification

Given how realistic fraudulent documents can be in the modern age, it is understandable that people are searching for fast and easy ways to verify paperwork that is also affordable. Document verification has been carried out for many years, but it is only recently that businesses can obtain results via the Internet.

However, it isn’t only the process that has been updated but also how verification is reported. Many companies take advantage of cloud storage, and external agencies carrying out verification checks are no exception.

Rather than post results back to businesses and organisations, secure cloud storage ensures that people can view instant results with a few simple clicks. However, some may not have considered several other benefits associated with cloud storage.

If you are still considering online document verification for your business and want to know what benefits it can yield, then take note of the following.

Proactive Record Keeping

Companies are responsible for ensuring that all paperwork given by employees is genuine. Failure to do so could mean ramifications for the business and customers. Fortunately, cloud storage allows those using an agency for verification checks to find documents easily and provide instant proof that paperwork is genuine.

Using an external document verification company ensures that each time a check is made, the paperwork is automatically uploaded to secure cloud storage only the business can access.

Safe and Secure

Many have read the horror story of leaked information online, but this doesn’t mean that the Internet is full of risk. Dealing with the right provider of online verification checks also ensures that cloud storage is safe and secure, ensuring company details are never compromised.

A company carrying out manual verification that keeps hard copies of documentation on-site runs the risk of sensitive information being accessed or stolen. Furthermore, archiving the paperwork can involve more costs for the business.

Cloud storage for document verification ensures a business can safely store its paperwork without worrying about excess archiving fees.

Faster Results Regarding Verification

Having to wait several days for feedback for document verification can be frustrating, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Using a professional agency ensures that companies can use cloud storage to view instant results, ensuring there is no hindrance regarding business operations.

Even when additional checks are needed, the process will be much faster than manual document verification alone.

View Verified Documents from Any Device

As verified documents are held in the cloud, businesses can view them on any device. This ensures business owners and professionals do not have to wait by their computer for results, as they can also use their tablet or smartphone to view documentation.

Those contending with several tasks at any time can view verification checks on several devices using different operating systems. So, accessing completed document verification checks is never an issue whether you’re using Windows on a desktop or iOS or an iPhone.

Protect Against Legal Claims with Document Verification

A business has several responsibilities to ensure clients and customers are protected, as well as other employees. As well as ensuring it is screening other companies it deals with, a company must also ensure the relevant background checks are carried out regarding new employees.

Regardless of whether you’re hiring new employees or want to create a new investment opportunity for customers, then you should ensure that document verification is part of the process in either case.

Document Verification Helps Businesses with Anti-Money Laundering Checks

Anti-money laundering checks, often abbreviated to AML Checks, are necessary for businesses dealing with investments or other financial activity. Criminals can subject a company to money laundering without ever being away, risking its own capital and that of genuine investors.

A business must show that all efforts have been made regarding omitting money laundering, including unusual financial activity and document verification. Fortunately, a proactive company can contend with both and ensure the necessary safeguards are in place.

Ensure a Person Has the Right to Work in the United Kingdom

In addition to AML Checks, a business must also ensure that a person can work in the United Kingdom. Those moving from another country to work in the United Kingdom will often have a visa,

Although many visas look official, using a professional agency to process document verification checks ensures that there is never any fraudulent paperwork being dealt with when checking if a person can work in the UK.

Ensure DBS Checks are Genuine

In most instances, a company will carry out a DBS Check on behalf of a person. However, those who only require a Basic DBS Check can request this themselves and then give the completed disclosure to the company.

Understandably, some businesses can be concerned that some may try to use fake DBS Checks, which is why document and identity verification has become popular when hiring people for roles.

How Often is a Credit Search Required

There is no set schedule for when a business should carry out credit checks. Hard credit searches are kept on a person’s file for 12 months, so companies must be mindful of this when using a credit check for employment.

Those running a credit check for loans and credit cards will often do so when an application is made. Future checks cannot be made without the person’s permission and should only be done when an application is made.

Although the complete onus of background checking isn’t the responsibility of businesses and organisations, they do have a responsibility to ensure that in-depth assessments are carried out to ensure there is no risk to employees and companies. Should a business fail to carry out background checks, there can be a series of ramifications.

Those wanting to avoid the risks of fake documentation should employ the services of a document verification service, even if only handing a few documents. It only takes one fraudulent document to cause problems, which is why so many professionals rely on document verification to avoid legal claims and other consequences.

5 Things to Know About Pre-Employment Checks

When applying for a job, businesses and organisations will often carry out several checks depending on the type of role being used for. Pre-employment checks allow firms to screen candidates’ backgrounds and ensure they are a good fit for a position.

Pre-employment checks can come in various guises, so the screening process won’t always be the same. However, the following answers some commonly asked questions regarding pre-employment checks.

1. Employers Cannot View Your Credit Score

Although pre-employment checks include credit screening, employers cannot view a credit score. However, they can view other information, including insolvencies, bankruptcies and CCJs.

Credit checks conducted for pre-employment checks are referred to as ‘soft searches’ and contain less information than conventional credit searches but will still allow companies and organisations to ascertain a sense of your financial background.

2. Pre-Employment Checks Can Vary Depending on The Role

Although it is understandable why many assume all pre-employment checks are the same, the information can vary depending on the position being applied for. Those applying to work with children may also need an Enhanced DBS Check, whereas those using a vehicle will need to require a driving licence check.

3. Permission is Needed for Pre-Employment Checks

Some people fear a business or organisation can carry out a credit check anytime, but this isn’t the case. Before any credit check or DBS Check is requested, companies must seek permission. However, if permission is refused, the business or organisation does have the right to withdraw any employment offers.

Companies and organisations will make applicants aware of the checks required regarding the job application and will carry these out on their behalf.

4. Only a Business is Permitted to Run Some Pre-Employment Checks

Although an individual can carry out some checks, in most instances, only a business or organisation can carry out some pre-employment checks. Individuals can carry out their own credit checks and Basic DBS Check.

However, pre-employment checks that require an Enhanced DBS Check or Barred List can only be carried out by businesses using a corporate account.

Those who are self-employed but require an Enhanced DBS Check or Barred List Check will need to ask an agency or client to carry out a background check on their behalf if one is required.

In instances where only a Basic DBS Disclosure is needed, a self-employed person can request this themselves if they wish.

5. Document Verification Plays a Large Part in Pre-Employment Checks

As there is a lot of online risk for companies, online pre-employment checks will often involve some form of document verification. Online document verification ensures that those applying for a position are genuine and uses biometric checks to ensure authentic documentation.

It would be easy to assume that this takes a long time to complete, but the automated nature of the checks means that document verification can often be carried out in minutes instead of days.

Reduce Company Costs with KYC Checks

Know Your Customer Checks, often called KYC Checks, are identity checks that ensure the person a business is dealing with is genuine. Companies must take a series of measures to protect themselves, their customers and their employees, and KYC Checks are an essential part of the process.

Businesses can find traits of fraud or money laundering by continuously reviewing accounts but given the ramifications of false identification and fraudulent activity, many are searching for proactive ways of avoiding both, which is what KYC Checks offer.

What Is the Purpose of a KYC Check?

In addition to verifying a person’s identity, KYC checks ensure that companies can be aware of any risks that may arise when maintaining a relationship with other businesses. KYC Checks are standard among financial institutions and companies searching for investments, as they help businesses adhere to anti-money laundering policies.

Those in the crypto sector also use liveness checks, as exchanges must conform to Anti-Money Laundering regulations. The sophisticated means of verifying a person’s identity ensures that those trading in cryptocurrency can easily meet the global KYC and AML requirements.

What Does a KYC Check Include?

A KYC check is a broad term for a series of checks carried out before a business relationship commences. Although each company often has its one iteration of a KYC Check, they often include the following.

  • Photograph Identification
  • Name
  • Address
  • Document Verification
  • DBS Checks
  • Credit Checks

It can also be commonplace for some form of biometrics to be in place that employs the use of liveness checks so companies can be confident that documentation matches the details of the person making the application.

How Long Does a KYC Check Take?

The time it takes to complete a KYC Check can depend on the avenues used. Sometimes, completing a KYC Check can take as long as three weeks. However, using a professional third-party agency means that KYC Checks can be completed in as little as 24 hours.

To ensure that KYC Checks are completed quickly, the correct information needs to be submitted. It can be easy to overlook some details when forming a relationship with customers, but any mistake means the process often takes longer than it should.

Why Use a Professional KYC Check Company?

Some companies can be convinced that carrying out their own screening is more affordable. However, the time it takes to carry out the task could mean it costs more in the long run. Outsourcing the job to a professional KYC Check company ensures that all KYC Checks are completed quickly while allowing the business to focus on other aspects of the company.

KYC Checks also benefits genuine customers wishing to do business with the company, as there is little waiting time regarding the outcome, meaning products and services can be made available to consumers sooner rather than later.

If your business wants to safeguard itself while also protecting other customers, then it must consider using KYC checks as part of its onboarding process.