As we tell our clients at GroupOne Background Screening, a background check is a basic part of the hiring process. Simply put, we acquire the candidate’s info and provide the results.
We understand hiring decisions are influenced by these results. Oftentimes, a candidate will dispute the information. What happens then and what are your responsibilities? Please keep three phases in mind:
- Document
- Adverse Action
- Dispute Process
1: Document
Did you know one in every three U.S. adults have a criminal history? Approximately 77 million Americans have an arrest report. Those statistics alone support the need for a process in place when such findings show up on a background check. It’s a good idea for your company to have hiring guidelines in writing before recruiting candidates. These protocols, fully established, will help guide your decision and provide the necessary documentation if a candidate decides to dispute a background check.
2: Adverse Action
Before rejecting an applicant based on a background check, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires you to provide the candidate with:
- A copy of the background check;
- A copy of their rights under the FCRA;
- The name, address and phone number of the background screening company providing the report.
Once the candidate receives this information, keep the lines of communication open. Candidates may be frustrated and upset, but do not take their reaction personally. Calm communication will improve the adverse action phase.
3: Dispute Process
At GroupOne Background Screening, we have a responsibility to provide information that is dependable and accurate. But no one’s 100% perfect, right? Mistakes happen. Court records could be inaccurate, names misspelled or addresses incorrect. Our team always emphasizes a willingness to “get the facts straight.” With our 30-plus years of experience, we know records can be mistyped or improperly cataloged.
It’s the job candidate’s right to contact the background screening company to dispute the report. It should be noted that during this time, the employer is not required to keep the job open. It’s often impractical to leave a position open while other candidates are in limbo during an investigation. All disputes should be treated as a serious matter. Eventually, all parties will benefit when employment background checks provide updated and ultimately accurate information.
Our Job
At GroupOne Background Screening, every effort is made to ensure our reports provided to you are accurate. When a candidate disputes an employment background check, we are here to work with you every step of the way. Once you provide them with our contact information, it is our job to see the process through. We will stay in contact with you throughout the process, as well as advise you on your role. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.