CLEVELAND / May 17, 2011 — Despite an influx of legislation and accusations that employers are over-inflating the importance of candidate background checks, a new survey from EmployeeScreenIQ finds that companies are using them responsibly to make hiring decisions in conjunction with qualifications and interviews.
The 2011 edition of “Trends in Employment Background Screening” examines how HR professionals are adapting to the rapidly-changing world of employment background screening. The 14-page report delves into heated issues such as hiring discrimination, credit checks, hiring matrices, social networking and more. Nearly 800 individuals from a wide range of organizations in the U.S. completed the survey, which was distributed in March.
Among the top findings:
– Respondents are less concerned about EEOC inquiries and government interference in the background screening process than they are about a provider’s ability to deliver results and candidates with criminal records.
– Respondents cited qualifications and interviews as the leading influencers when making hiring decisions, ranking candidates’ criminal records third in importance.
– 66 percent of respondents never check social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and others for the purposes of conducting background check.
– 92 percent of employers will reach out to candidates or consider job relevance when a background check reveals adverse information. Only 8% of respondents reject a candidate outright.
– 21percent conduct credit checks on all employees while 33% don’t perform them at all.
Download a complimentary copy of “Trends in Employment Background Screening 2011” by visiting: http://www.employeescreen.com/2011_report.asp
“This year’s survey refutes the outcry that employers are overinflating the importance of background checks and credit reports. The vast majority of respondents clearly stated that while background checks are essential, they are just one element of the hiring process,” said Nick Fishman, chief marketing officer of EmployeeScreenIQ. “The challenge ahead for organizations and HR professionals is to safely navigate these stormy waters by keeping informed and taking the proper steps to ensure compliance.”
About EmployeeScreenIQ
Founded in 1999, EmployeeScreenIQ is a Cleveland, Ohio-based employment screening company offering a variety of employment screening services to mid- and large-cap organizations throughout the world, including those in North and South America, Europe and East Asia. EmployeeScreenIQ is accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS), a distinction earned by less than two percent of all employment screening companies. For more information, visit www.EmployeeScreen.com.
Media Contacts:
Nick Fishman, EmployeeScreenIQ
(847) 564-5410
nfishman(a)employeescreen.com
Elrond Lawrence
Fisher Vista for EmployeeScreenIQ
831-632-2183
elawrence(a)fishervista.com
###
This press release was distributed through PR Web by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.