Why Your Next Hire Depends on the Right Background Check
Pre employment background check companies are the guardians of your hiring process, protecting you from costly hiring mistakes. Millions of background checks are conducted annually, making these services essential for businesses looking to mitigate workplace risks.
Top Pre-Employment Background Check Companies:
- Checkr – Best for technology and speed (34% faster turnaround)
- HireRight – Best for global enterprise needs (170+ countries)
- Accurate – Best for industry-specific solutions (60M+ annual searches)
- GoodHire – Best for small to medium businesses (100+ screening options)
- First Advantage – Best for comprehensive enterprise solutions
A single bad hire can cost thousands in turnover, training, and legal fees. Fortunately, modern screening is fast, with 89% of criminal checks completing within an hour and 97% of customers reporting faster turnarounds than traditional methods.
As one People Operations Analyst put it: “I have used many background check companies and Checkr is by far the fastest one to date. I really appreciate the simplicity and ease of use… They make the entire process easy and painless.”
Speed is useless without accuracy and compliance. Top providers maintain 99.98% dispute-free rates while navigating complex FCRA regulations and various state and local laws that can challenge even seasoned HR teams.
The right partner acts as an extension of your team, integrating with your ATS, automating workflows, and ensuring a smooth candidate experience.
Pre employment background check companies terms explained:
- employment and income verification services
- employment income verification
- pre employment work history verification
What to Look For in a Top-Tier Background Check Partner
Choosing the right pre employment background check companies is more like selecting a business partner than a vendor. The right partner understands that every check involves a real person hoping for a new job and a company trying to make the best hiring decision.
Top partners offer more than just reports. They provide trustworthy accuracy, deep compliance knowledge to avoid costly FCRA missteps, fast turnaround times, and technology that simplifies your job.
What really sets top providers apart is the candidate experience. A smooth, professional portal creates a positive first impression. Likewise, their customer support should be knowledgeable and helpful, not scripted.
Look for providers with solid credentials too. PBSA accreditation shows they meet industry standards, while a strong Better Business Bureau rating tells you how they treat their customers day in and day out.
Compliance is Non-Negotiable
Employment background checks are not just about gathering information, they are about doing it correctly. The legal landscape is complex, and pre employment background check companies that cut corners on compliance can create serious problems for your business.
FCRA compliance is the foundation. The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a consumer protection law that keeps the system fair. Your partner must master these regulations, from consent forms to the adverse action process.
EEOC guidance adds another layer, requiring individualized assessments. You must consider the nature of an offense, the time passed, and its relevance to the job before making a decision.
State and local laws vary widely. “Ban the Box” ordinances, for example, restrict when you can ask about criminal history. A good partner will be an expert on these regional differences.
The adverse action process is where many companies get into trouble. If you decide not to hire someone based on their background check, federal law requires specific notifications and waiting periods. Getting this wrong can lead to lawsuits and regulatory headaches.
For more guidance on navigating these complex waters, check out our comprehensive resource on Employer HR Compliance.
Speed and Accuracy
In a competitive market, speed is crucial, as top candidates will not wait. However, inaccurate results from rushing are worse than being slow.
The best pre employment background check companies balance speed and accuracy. They use smart technology and quality control to complete 89% of criminal checks within one hour while maintaining 99.98% dispute-free rates.
Automation does the heavy lifting, processing data faster than any human could, but human QA is still essential for complex cases. The ideal is when providers can say that 99% of background checks are automated after data retrieval, including human QA.
Data sources also make a huge difference. Companies with direct access to court records and verification systems can deliver results faster than those using third-party intermediaries. When customers report a 34% reduction in turnaround time, you know the difference is real.
Low dispute rates are the ultimate proof of accuracy. When companies maintain 99.98% dispute-free results, you can trust the information you receive is reliable.
Want to dive deeper into typical timeframes? Our guide on Pre-Employment Background Check Time breaks down what to expect for different types of checks.
Technology and Integrations
A provider’s technology should integrate with your HR systems, not complicate them. Seamless integration transforms a required step into a smooth part of your hiring workflow.
ATS integration is key. When your background check provider connects to your applicant tracking system, you can initiate checks, track progress, and review results in one place. Leading providers offer 70+ ATS integrations, meaning they likely work with your current system.
API access gives larger organizations the flexibility to create custom integrations and automated workflows. This allows you to trigger checks automatically or pull results into your own dashboards.
The mobile-friendly portal is essential. Candidates expect to complete their part of the process on their phones. A clunky mobile experience reflects poorly on your company and slows everything down.
Your user dashboard should offer real-time visibility into each background check’s status. Automated workflows can handle routine tasks like sending consent forms and following up with candidates, saving your team valuable time.
Comparing the Top Pre Employment Background Check Companies
Finding the right pre employment background check companies is about finding the right fit. Each has unique strengths, from lightning speed to white-glove service. The key is matching a provider to your company’s specific needs.
We have worked with hundreds of employers, and we keep hearing the same names come up. Let’s take an honest look at the heavy hitters in the screening world and what makes each one tick.
Checkr: Best for Technology and Speed
Checkr is built for speed and automation. This pre employment background check company is a favorite among gig economy companies and startups that need to hire quickly.
What sets Checkr apart is its automation focus. They have automated 99% of their background checks after data retrieval, including human quality assurance. Their customizable screening rulesets can cut adverse action rates by 20%, meaning fewer good candidates are unfairly screened out.
The mobile-first candidate experience is another major benefit. Applicants can complete everything on their phones and get automated follow-ups in multiple languages. This reduces calls to your HR team from frustrated candidates.
Customers report a 34% average reduction in turnaround time when they switch to Checkr. Even more impressive, 89% of all criminal checks complete in one hour. That is a game-changer in a competitive market.
Flexible pricing starts around $29.99 per check, with customizable packages that grow with your needs. It is perfect for companies wanting enterprise-level features without the complexity.
HireRight: Best for Global Enterprise Needs
HireRight is the Swiss Army knife of pre employment background check companies, known for handling complex, multinational hiring challenges for large enterprises.
Their global reach is impressive, with background checks in over 170 countries. They offer a unified global platform, ensuring consistent processes whether you’re hiring domestically or internationally.
Their comprehensive solutions go beyond basic criminal checks to include employment and education verifications, drug testing, and post-hire monitoring. It is like having an entire compliance department at your disposal.
Accuracy and reliability are where HireRight shines for enterprise clients. They maintain a 99.98% dispute-free rate, which is crucial when processing thousands of checks and avoiding disputed reports.
With 70+ ATS integrations, HireRight works with most enterprise HR systems. This integration helps streamline the process and reduces the burden on your team by giving candidates direct access to support.
Accurate: Best for Industry-Specific Solutions
With over 25 years of experience, Accurate knows one size does not fit all. This pre employment background check company excels in industry-specific screening.
Their industry expertise is deep, covering sectors like Healthcare, Transportation, and Financial Services. Accurate builds custom screening programs custom to the unique regulatory and risk factors of your industry.
The global footprint is substantial with over 16,000 customers worldwide across 6 continents, supporting 30 languages. They process more than 60 million annual searches, so they have seen it all.
Notably, Accurate is minority-owned and operated. For companies prioritizing diversity in their vendor partnerships, this can be a significant factor.
Their client and candidate focus emphasizes reducing stress for new hires while maintaining the thoroughness employers need. They understand the screening process is a candidate’s first real interaction with your company culture.
GoodHire: Best for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
GoodHire understands that not every company has a dedicated screening specialist. This pre employment background check company makes the process simple and accessible for small to medium-sized businesses.
Their superpower is ease of use. GoodHire provides a simple user experience, with 69% of their customers finding them easier to use than other providers. This is ideal for business owners who need efficiency, not complexity.
Flexible options include pre-bundled packages and customizable screening programs. Many SMBs appreciate their pay-as-you-go options, which are budget-friendly for companies that do not hire constantly.
The FCRA-certified support is a huge plus. Small businesses often lack in-house compliance expertise, so access to professionals who can guide you through legal requirements is invaluable.
Despite catering to smaller businesses, GoodHire delivers speed and efficiency. 74% of their customers report faster turnaround times, and they maintain a dispute rate of just 0.085%. They offer over 100 different screenings, providing comprehensive coverage without enterprise complexity.
Understanding the Nuts and Bolts of Screening Services
When evaluating pre employment background check companies, you need to understand what you are getting, what it will cost, and whether tempting “free” options are worth the risk. Let’s break down the essentials so you can make smart decisions.
What’s Included in a Typical Background Check Report?
A background check is like a puzzle, with each piece revealing something different about a candidate. The pieces you need depend on the role and your industry. Most comprehensive reports include the following:
Criminal records are the foundation of most checks. Quality providers search county, state, and federal databases for felony and misdemeanor convictions, and check sex offender registries when relevant.
An SSN trace is highly valuable. It verifies a candidate’s Social Security Number and address history, helping to identify aliases and jurisdictions for criminal searches.
Employment verification confirms past job titles and employment dates. For thoroughness, many companies use specialized services like Pre-Employment Work History Verification to ensure accuracy.
Education verification confirms degrees, certifications, and attendance dates from legitimate institutions.
For roles involving company vehicles, driving records (Motor Vehicle Records or MVR) are essential. These reveal license status, violations, and accidents.
Credit reports are used for positions with financial responsibilities, but their use is heavily regulated by the FCRA and restricted in many states.
The benefit of working with professional pre employment background check companies is their ability to customize packages to match your specific needs.
How Much Do Pre-Employment Background Check Services Cost?
The cost of background checks depends on the scope of the search, volume, and provider. The key is to match your investment to your risk.
Most pre employment background check companies offer package pricing. Basic packages with an SSN trace and national criminal search cost around $29 to $35 per check. Comprehensive packages with verifications and driving records can range from $50 to $77 or more.
Volume discounts can significantly reduce your per-check cost if you hire regularly. Many providers offer tiered pricing where the rate drops as your volume increases.
Watch out for hidden fees. Some companies charge setup fees or add per-search costs for specific verifications. Always ask for a transparent quote that breaks down all potential charges.
Are Free Pre-Employment Background Check Companies Reliable?
While “free” is tempting, free background check services are rarely suitable for employment decisions and can put your business at risk.
Free services are not FCRA-compliant. They lack the required disclosures, consent, and adverse action processes mandated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Using them for hiring can lead to lawsuits and penalties.
The accuracy potential is another major concern. Free services often rely on incomplete or outdated public records. Without the quality assurance of professional services, you might reject a great candidate based on false information.
Limited information is a big drawback. Free services cannot provide the comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional searches that professional pre employment background check companies offer.
When there is a problem, free services offer no customer support. For reliable and compliant information that protects your business, investing in a professional screening service is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Background Screening
When employers explore pre employment background check companies, they often have the same questions. Let’s tackle the most common ones.
How long does a background check usually take?
The time it takes depends on the search’s complexity. Simple database searches are fast, while manual verifications take longer.
Database searches like national criminal checks can deliver results almost instantly. Some providers report that 89% of all criminal checks, including county searches, complete in one hour.
Manual searches take longer because they require human intervention, like requesting records from a courthouse or calling a university. Some jurisdictions are simply faster than others.
Candidate responsiveness also plays a role. Delays in completing consent forms can stretch the timeline.
Most comprehensive checks are completed in three to five business days. The most efficient pre employment background check companies can deliver standard reports in less than 12 hours.
What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is the federal law governing employment background checks. It’s the rulebook protecting both employers and candidates from the misuse of personal information.
For employers, FCRA creates specific steps. Before running a check, you must provide a clear written disclosure and get written authorization from the candidate.
You also need a permissible purpose to request a background check. Employment screening qualifies, but you cannot run checks on anyone for any reason.
The adverse action process is particularly complex. If you deny employment based on a report, you must send a pre-adverse action notice with the report and a summary of rights. After a waiting period, you send a final adverse action notice.
Non-compliance with FCRA can result in significant legal penalties, which is why working with experienced pre employment background check companies is so valuable.
What happens if a candidate disputes their background check report?
Disputes are rare with reputable pre employment background check companies (some have 99.98% dispute-free rates), but they can happen due to outdated information, mistaken identity, or record errors.
When a candidate disputes information, the background check company is legally obligated to investigate. They have 30 days to contact the original source to verify the information’s accuracy.
If the investigation reveals the information was inaccurate or unverifiable, the company must correct or delete it and provide an updated report to the candidate and anyone who received the original.
If the information is confirmed as accurate, they will notify the candidate of the finding.
As an employer, you should pause any hiring decisions related to that candidate until the dispute is resolved. A quality provider will handle the entire process efficiently and compliantly.
The Final Step: Ensuring Workforce Eligibility and Compliance
Choosing the right pre employment background check company is the first step toward a compliant workforce. The best partners deliver accuracy, speed, and technology, turning a potential headache into a streamlined process.
Your compliance journey is not over when the report arrives. After extending an offer, you must complete the final, critical step: verifying work authorization.
This is where Form I-9 and E-Verify Services are essential. Form I-9 is mandatory for all U.S. employers to verify a new hire’s identity and work authorization. E-Verify is an internet-based system that confirms this information against government databases.
This final step is complex and full of pitfalls that can lead to costly fines. A single mistake on the Form I-9 can result in thousands of dollars in penalties.
That is why Valley All States Employer Service specializes in outsourced E-Verify workforce eligibility verification. We provide expert, impartial, and efficient E-Verify processing to take the guesswork out of this critical step. We help employers minimize errors and administrative burden, ensuring every new hire is legally authorized to work.
Think of us as the missing piece that connects your screening process to a fully compliant hire. While your chosen pre employment background check company handles the screening, we handle the final verification that makes it all official and legal.
Ready to simplify your employment compliance and ensure every hire is perfect from background check through E-Verify? Do not let compliance complexities slow your hiring or put your business at risk.
Get started with expert compliance assistance today, and let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on building your business.