Should my small business use background checks?

Before welcoming a new employee aboard, it’s essential to gain insight into their past. With a background check, you can do just that. Unfortunately, small businesses often overlook this critical step for fear that they’ll deplete their funds. However, running a background check doesn’t have to compromise your resources. There are several options available, ranging from county criminal background checks to statewide background checks and everything in between. Most background checks are relatively inexpensive considering that they’ll help you evaluate your biggest asset, your people.

With that said, failing to run a background check can prove a costlier mistake than performing the screening. From driving records and work eligibility to credit reports and references, there are several areas to look into. Without this pertinent information, you could cost your company thousands of dollars. In other words, if you aren’t privy to a prospective employee’s sordid past, your small business could become vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and sabotage, among other crimes.

If you hire a candidate who’s capable of carrying out such unlawful offenses, it’ll likely cost you more in the long run. For instance, if a staff member embezzles money, you’ll have to shell out considerable cash to hire lawyers, forensic accountants, and other outside experts. In addition to being unwanted, these expenses are also pricey. The only surefire way to avoid this unfortunate reality is to run a background check before moving forward with the hiring process.

Above all else, looking into a potential employee’s background bodes well for peace of mind. While interviewing a candidate, you likely won’t suspect anything. Your instincts may be accurate, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. With a background check, you can rest assured that the individual you’re introducing to your team is reliable, transparent, and in keeping with your company’s values.

Need a thorough background check? Contact us to learn more.