Pre-employment screening is a critical part of the hiring process. Though some might not agree and see it as a burden, doing pre-employment screening is essential in choosing the right people for your business.
It can not only save you money but also help you spot liars in interviews. On the other hand, legal issues might arise if the tests are not reliable or are improperly implemented.
Today, we look at why conducting pre-employment screening should be at the very top of your list when making new hires.
In 2013, amazingly 66 percent of U.S. employers said they made a bad hire the previous year, according to a CareerBuilder study. Twenty-seven percent of them revealed the hiring mistakes cost their businesses more than $50,000. That is a lot of money for any business, no matter how successful.
So, how can you make sure you’re not making the same mistakes? Here are three ways to protect yourself and your business:
1. Be Aware of Productivity Vampires
It’s no secret inadequate hires don’t do their job.
What most business owners don’t realize is the fact that, at the bottom line, the quality of your products and services will be affected. On the other hand, your high performers will be forced to do the job of poor performers and correct their mistakes. This means more time away from their tasks, which results in a morale killer for your team.
A pre-employment screening combined with employment verification, work experience and education can help you quickly spot liars and avoid bringing productivity vampires on your team.
2. Using Criminal Databases is Not Enough
Did you know if your pre-employment screening is not thoroughly done, and workplace violence or fraud happens, your business may be held responsible?
Criminal databases are not up-to-date, and that’s a fact.
Hiring a background screening firm can take the burden off your shoulders. They have the resources to perform the background research at the county level.
3. Hiring Mistakes are Costly
If you think you can save a few dollars on fees by not hiring a background-screening specialist, think again.
Replacing bad hires can cost you around 50 or 60 percent of an employee’s annual paycheck, a report from SHRM found.
And what’s worse, many business owners don’t even think about the potential loss they could have if they end up hiring someone who steals. According to a Hiscox report on employee theft, businesses lose up to $280,000 per year.
Why not spare your business, your team and yourself of unnecessary headaches and potential expenses by hiring the right people for your business the first time.
Hire a pre-employment screening service to do the work for you. Do your homework and check potential candidates’ experience, education and past workplaces. Use resources at hand such as social media to find out as much as possible about the people you want to bring into your business.
Moreover, remember the fees you pay to a background screening company are inexpensive compared to what a bad hire may cost your business.