The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has just finished several studies regarding background checks, criminal record searches, reference interviews and pre-employment credit reports. The numbers are not surprising, they show that over 75% of U.S. organizations are currently conducting more than one type of employment screening services. Over 430 companies were surveyed and the results were interesting:
- 88% of companies either partially or fully outsource criminal background checks
- 87% of companies either partially or fully outsource credit background checks
- 48% of companies either partially or fully outsource reference checks
- Between 34 – 51% of companies use these types of services internationally
Each study, there are four total, break down the metrics into hundreds of different categories. For instance, out of the 75% of companies that screen their employees most are obviously larger organizations. The study further breaks them down by industry and size. I found it most interesting when they break down the reasons for the screens and how many use the negative information in their decision.
Spend some time with these studies, if you are a member of SHRM they can be found at:
http://www.shrm.org/Research/SurveyFindings/Articles/Pages/ConductingReferenceBackgroundChecks.aspx
http://www.shrm.org/Research/SurveyFindings/Articles/Pages/BackgroundCheckCriminalChecks.aspx
http://www.shrm.org/Research/SurveyFindings/Articles/Pages/BackgroundCheckingGeneral.aspx
http://www.shrm.org/Research/SurveyFindings/Articles/Pages/BackgroundChecking.aspx
Pay special attention to the studies on Credit Reports. As we all know the EEOC is attempting to crack down on their use.
