Best Background Check Site For Employers
Looking for a way to screen job candidates legally? A legit background check site like GoodHire reduces compliance anxieties.
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These background check companies are excellent choices for employers:
- GoodHire: Best overall
- Sterling: For innovative solutions
- HireRight: For efficient HR integrations
- First Advantage For global searches
- AccurateNow For small businesses
Every employer's goal is to land the right employee. But without proper screening, you risk hiring somebody who isn't up to the task. Fortunately, background check sites can help you make informed hiring decisions.
Check out these great options to confirm a potential employee's background information.
5 Best Background Check Services For Employers
A good pre-employment background check site should meet your standards of reliability, completeness, and affordability. Here are some of the top picks.
GoodHire: Best Overall
| Cost: | Starts at $29.99 per screening[1] |
|---|---|
| Types of screening: | SSN trace, sex offender registry search, global watchlist records, national criminal record search, and more |
| Customer rating: | 3.7 out of 5 ✰ from 665 reviews on Consumer Affairs[2] |
GoodHire provides easy-to-order reports on job candidates while ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
For example, GoodHire ensures you follow specific protocols such as obtaining consent from the candidate and providing disclosures. This way you avoid the risk of paying penalties for non-compliance.
With a variety of screening options, you can tailor your checks to specific roles. For example, you'd want to include an MVR
check and a criminal records check if you're hiring a truck driver. Or add an education verification if the job calls for a specific expertise.
Yes, GoodHire is a legit background check service company. It is FCRA-compliant, which means its background checks meet legal standards for employment screening under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Like most pre-employment background check providers, costs can easily run up the more screening types you need. Watch out for pass-through fees, which are additional third-party charges to complete a thorough background check.
Pros + Cons:
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GoodHire: Professional - Starts at $79.99/Check
- SSN Trace
- Sex Offender Registry Search
- Global Watchlist Records
- National Criminal Records
- Unlimited County Criminal Search
GoodHire: Essential - Starts at $54.99/Check
- SSN Trace
- Sex Offender Registry Search
- Global Watchlist Records
- National Criminal Records
- Unlimited County Criminal Search
GoodHire: Basic + - Starts at $29.99/Check
- SSN Trace
- Sex Offender Registry Search
- Global Watchlist Records
- National Criminal Records
Sterling: For Innovative Solutions
| Cost: | Starts at under $50 per screening[3] |
|---|---|
| Types of screening: | SSN trace, sex offender registry search, county court records search, government sanctions lists, and more |
| Customer rating: | 4.0 out of 5 ✰ from 3,867 reviews on Trustpilot[4] |
Aside from offering criminal history reports and court records, Sterling stands out by automating its background checks and reducing manual work.
Its digital identity verification tools streamline the hiring process, allowing you to quickly and easily verify candidates' identities.
Additionally, Sterling boasts global check capabilities that include access to criminal records from over 195 countries. It also offers API solutions to help large-scale businesses manage a high volume of candidates.
Regardless of your industry, you can leverage its technology-enabled built-in compliance tools to save precious time and meet your business objectives.
Criminal background searches on Sterling can be completed in less than 24 hours.[5] However, the actual turnaround time varies based on searches you are running on a candidate. It can range between a few days to a week, even more.
Pros + Cons:
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Sterling: Risk Monitoring
- Continuous record checks to monitor your workers
- Access to criminal and National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) records
Sterling: Criminal Background Checks for Employment
- Social Security Number (SSN) Trace
- Enhanced Nationwide Criminal Database
- Locator Select
Sterling: Fingerprinting
- Get a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) report which contains biographic information, arrest information, and dispositions.
- Access to Sterling Identity, an FBI-approved company to channel fingerprints.
Sterling: Verification Checks
- Employment Verification
- Professional Reference Verification
- Department of Transportation-related employment information
- Education Verification
- Credential Verification
Sterling: Drug and Health Screening
- Extensive health and drug services such as drug testing, alcohol testing, physical exams, medical services, and lab tests
- Access to Random Drug & Alcohol Program Administration tools in the Client Hub
HireRight: For Efficient HR integrations
| Cost: | Not published |
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| Types of screening: | Criminal background, financial background, identity information, drug and health screening, and more |
| Customer rating: | 3.3 out of 5 ✰ from 129 reviews on G2[6] |
HireRight has an ala carte menu of background checks that works seamlessly with most major ATS and HRIS setups. This eliminates manual data entry into your systems.
Additionally, you can customize the background check process to fit what your industry and the job description require. Request a comprehensive criminal report, employment and education history, credit reports, or even global checks.
Yes, HireRight will contact employers that match a job applicant or employee's background check details. In case they are unsuccessful, they will likely ask the candidate for supporting documents.
Pros + Cons:
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First Advantage: For Global Searches
| Cost: | Starts at $29 per screening[7] |
|---|---|
| Types of screening: | SSN trace, sex offender registry search, global watchlist records, national criminal records, and more |
| Customer rating: | 3.6 out of 5 ✰ from 42 reviews on G2[8] |
First Advantage's extensive global financial records check is ideal if you are recruiting accountants, investment managers, or for high-level positions like CEO and CFO. It takes out the guesswork, letting you confidently perform allowable searches outside the US.
Its sophisticated technology and analytics are designed to handle high volumes of online background checks efficiently.
In addition to ATS and HR integrations, First Advantage boasts a digital filing system that eliminates emails, folders, and paperwork. It also has an electronic fingerprint background check service, which directly submits criminal records checks to the FBI.
An FBI fingerprint background check will show the fingerprint owner's Identity History Summary or rap sheet.[9] It contains criminal history and sometimes details about federal employment, naturalization, or military service.
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First Advantage: Fingerprinting
- Access electronic fingerprinting services and integrated software
- First Advantage is an approved FBI Channeler
First Advantage: Background Checks
- Check criminal records, sex offenses, and professional or financial sanctions
- Verify immigration status and education background
- Verify professional background including licenses and credentials
First Advantage: Executive Background Checks
- Get annual rescreen reports, enhanced due diligence, and Executive Advantage for executive and board appointments
- Conduct investment due diligence and get early indicator reports, litigation-focused reports, BackTrack reports, and KYC searches
- Conduct annual rescreen, patent and corporate filing search, and post-hire monitoring
- Get National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) background reports
First Advantage: Identity Fraud Mitigation
- Gain access to RightID™, a solution to detect inconsistencies in an applicant's identity
- RightID™ is seamlessly integrated in an existing Profile Advantage® workflow for a smooth applicant journey
- Verify the applicant's real-time presence through the liveness detection technology of RightID™
- Identify potential counterfeit documents or deep-fake attempts through the document review technology of RightID™
First Advantage: Drug and Alcohol Testing
- Access DOT Driver Qualification File Compliance Management - an automated solution for your compliance-related driver tasks to streamline safety programs and regulations compliance
- Access Electronic Chain of Custody Forms (eCCF) to automate pre-employment drug tests and ongoing drug-screening processes
- Get instant drug and alcohol testing, lab testing, and medical services for employees
- Includes Medical Review Officer (MRO) services and Random Drug and Alcohol Program Management
First Advantage: Employment Verifications
- Get automated results and proprietary data through Verified!
- Verify employment and education background of applicants
First Advantage: Rental Property Screening
- Check potential identity fraud before leasing a property with the use of RightID™ Residential
- Conduct tenant screening quickly, efficiently, and conveniently with the mobile identity fraud detection
First Advantage: Employer Tax Credit Screening
- Determine eligibility of job applicants for state and federal tax incentives
- Monitor employment tax credits and economic incentive programs to help identify valuable tax savings opportunities
- Access JobCredit, a proprietary tax credit software exclusive to First Advantage
- Access Profile Advantage, a platform that combines both background screening authorization and tax credit survey
AccurateNow: For Small Businesses
| Cost: | Starts at $32.23 per screening[11] |
|---|---|
| Types of screening: | Credit check, criminal backgrounds, Form I-9 and E-Verify, global searches, monitoring, and more |
| Customer rating: | 4.2 out of 5 ✰ from 32 reviews on G2[12] |
AccurateNow is ideal for small businesses given its pay-as-you-go pricing model. You can conduct background checks without having to meet minimum quotas.
This service also offers customizable packages featuring the types of checks you need. Both job applicants and employers can use the user-friendly portal for easy ordering and fast processing.
While it's designed with smaller businesses in mind, AccurateNow is scalable. It's perfect for growing companies since it can keep up as your demand for background checks increases.
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Now that you know the best background check sites to use for job candidates, let's break down this topic further.
What is Background Check for Employers?
A background check for employers is part of a screening process to confirm a job candidate's personal, professional, and criminal history, among others.
It helps find qualified candidates and identifies those who are trustworthy and legally eligible to work.
Why Do a Background Check on Employees?
Here are the main reasons your business may have to run a background check on potential hires:
- Workplace safety
Background checks can uncover pending criminal charges and past run-ins with the law. This way, you can reduce the risk of harm to other employees, customers, or the general public. - Verify qualifications
If you are looking for a caregiver for example, you would want to confirm your candidate's education, certifications, and work experience for such a crucial job. - Compliance
Conducting background checks is legally required in industries like healthcare, finance, and transportation. This includes checking licenses and criminal records for positions of trust. - Reduction of liability
One example is when you hire a delivery driver that has multiple DUIs. If they cause an accident, the victim can sue and claim negligent hiring, which makes the employer automatically liable. - Company reputation
Knowing a business has vetted employees helps employers maintain a trusted and professional image.
GoodHire is likely the most used background check company by employers. According to the company, it has over 100,000 clients and boasts more than 2 decades of industry experience.[13]
Types of Background Check for Employment
Employers choose background checks based on the job's responsibilities, industry requirements, and legal obligations. Here are some of the most common types:
1. Criminal Background Check
What's usually covered: Searches for felony and misdemeanor convictions, arrests, warrants, and, in several cases, pending charges. It may also include a National Sex Offender Registry check.
Why it's important: It helps employers identify candidates who may pose a risk to workplace safety or integrity.
2. Employment Verification
What's usually covered: Previous employers, job titles, employment dates, and reasons for leaving.
Why it's important: To ensure that the candidate presents their work history accurately and has enough experience for the job.
3. Credit Check
What's usually covered: Credit history, including debts, bankruptcies, and payment records.
Why it's important: This may apply for positions that involve financial responsibilities such as an accountant or a collection agent.
4. Drug Testing
What's usually covered: Tests for the presence of a range of substances such as amphetamines, cannabinoids (THC), cocaine, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP).
Why it's important: It helps prevent drug use on the job and achieve higher productivity.
5. Social Security Number Trace
What's usually covered: An SSN Trace pulls from thousands of sources, providing summaries of the applicant's name, name variations, and previous addresses.
Why it's important: To verify that your potential new hire is who they say they are.
6. Motor Vehicle Reports (MVR) Check
What's usually covered: A driving records check provides a candidate's driving history, safety record, and eligibility to drive.
Why it's important: It helps maintain safety, comply with regulations and mitigate risk of the employer.
7. International Background Checks
What's usually covered: Criminal records, global watchlist search, employment, education, and sometimes credit history from other countries.
Why it's important: Ensures that candidates who have lived and worked outside the US are vetted properly just like the rest.
Most background checks on criminal, credit, and employment records observe a 7-year lookback period, which may extend to 10 years depending on state regulations. Some states like Hawaii restrict employers from considering felony conviction records that are more than 7 years old, or more than 5 years for misdemeanor convictions.[14]
employment background check red flag
A background check red flag is anything negative or concerning information revealed during a background verification that may raise doubts about a candidate's suitability for a job.
Here are several examples:
- A criminal record, especially one that is relevant to the job like physical violence
- Gaps in employment, discrepancies or false claims about past employers
- Falsified education credentials
- Poor credit history
- Unfavorable feedback from professional references
- Multiple traffic violations
- Failed drug test
The employer doesn't usually have to tell you that you passed your background check. Instead, they will just move forward with the hiring process by giving you a formal job offer. Otherwise, you will receive a pre-adverse action notice which gives you a chance to respond or dispute the result.
Choosing the Right Background Check Site
Different industries may have different needs, especially when it comes to hiring candidates for a job.
Consider these key factors when choosing a background check site:
- FCRA compliance
This will protect both you and the candidate from potential legal issues. - Services offered
If you are screening a candidate who was based outside the US before their application, choose a provider that can run international background checks, like First Advantage. - Turnaround time
For example, you need to onboard 50 employees for seasonal work. This calls for a background check service that can give you results in the shortest amount of time. - Accuracy and completeness
Check BBB reviews and other trusted sites for client feedback. You can even conduct a background check on yourself to see how accurate and complete the service is. - Cost
Hidden fees are annoying curveballs. Aside from that, some flexibility won't hurt, whether you need one-off reports or special pricing for high volumes.
There is no such thing as a free background check company that is FCRA-compliant, a legal requirement for employers when conducting background checks on candidates. Services involve accessing official databases, conducting thorough verifications, and following legal protocols, all of which come with costs.
Methodology
To create the list of the best background check sites for employers, we ensured they were from reputable providers with a high number of clients and decades of experience. These are usually indicators of a good company.
We examined their services, compared them to competitors, and read client feedback. Needless to say, they must be FCRA-compliant.
Lastly, we looked at the value they offer for the money you pay for. Some websites may be more expensive than others, but that's usually because they offer more robust solutions.
Bottom Line
Overall, GoodHire is the best background check site for employers. It has a high accuracy rate, detailed reports, and faster turnaround times, which most clients require.
Nonetheless, this list suggests four more background check sites offering ease of use and pricing flexibility, no matter your business size.
References
- ^ GoodHire. Background Check Pricing Varies By Annual Volumes, Retrieved 10/01/2024
- ^ Consumer Affairs. GoodHire Reviews, Retrieved 10/22/2024
- ^ Sterling. Client FAQs: Screening Solutions, Background Checks, and More, Retrieved 10/01/2024
- ^ Trustpilot. Sterling Reviews, Retrieved 10/22/2024
- ^ Sterling. Criminal Background Checks for Employment, Retrieved 10/01/2024
- ^ G2. HireRight Reviews, Retrieved 10/22/2024
- ^ First Advantage. What types of services can I order in a Background Direct background check?, Retrieved 10/03/2024
- ^ G2. First Advantage Reviews, Retrieved 10/22/2024
- ^ FBI. How We Can Help You, Retrieved 9/30/2024
- ^ First Advantage. First Advantage Completes Acquisition of Sterling Check for $2.2 Billion, Retrieved 12/05/2024
- ^ AccurateNow. Background check services for small businesses just got better., Retrieved 10/01/2024
- ^ G2. Accurate Background Reviews, Retrieved 10/22/2024
- ^ GoodHire. Building A Better Background Check Company, Retrieved 10/01/2024
- ^ Hawai'i State Legislature. §378-2.5 Employer Inquiries into Conviction Record, Retrieved 10/02/2024
Penelope Besana is a research analyst at CreditDonkey, a internet comparison and reviews website. Write to Penelope Besana at penelope.besana@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
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