5 common myths about background checks

Background checks are a key component in the hiring process, helping to maintain compliance with legal requirements along with confirming a candidate’s eligibility for a role. Conducting these checks thoroughly can support in making a positive hiring decision for your business.

The process of completing background checks is often seen as a complex area for employers, with many misconceptions and confusion about the “do’s and don’ts”, therefore in this blog, we’ve debunked 5 common myths when it comes to background checks to help simplify and enhance your hiring process!

Myth: “Background checks take too long to complete”

Fact: After a series of interviews, you may feel that you have found a candidate that is the perfect fit and therefore want to onboard them quickly, yet find yourself concerned that conducting the full screening process will take too long. However, the process doesn’t take as long as you may think. At VettingGateway, our average turnaround time is typically 2 days or less, with our criminal record (DBS) check typically taking less than 24 hours. Our automated platform saves your HR team valuable time by streamlining and automating the process.

Myth: “Background checks are too expensive”

Fact: According to Agency Central, the cost of a bad hire within a mid-management role could cost a company up to £132k. This cost includes recruitment and rehiring fees, wasted training costs and loss of productivity.

Background checks can seem costly, but it is essential that they are completed correctly and to a high standard. The expense of hiring the wrong candidate far outweighs the cost of thorough background screening, as restarting the recruitment process demands additional time and money.  In terms of cost effectiveness, there are a few different ways that checks can be conducted. If the background checks are completed manually by a team member, they are often more time consuming and expensive as they require hands-on verification. Likewise, the cost of outsourcing your background checks may also be an expensive addition to your company’s expenses. However keeping your checks in-house via an automated software solution allows you to ensure your checks are being handled compliantly and efficiently, whilst reducing cost and resources.  

Myth: “Background checks are only for regulated industries”

Fact: It may come as a surprise to some employers that background checks are not only required for regulated industries, but all industries. Even if the company is not in a regulated industry such as aviation or financial services, it is best practice to complete thorough background checks on employees. Not only does this help to protect your organisation, but also supports in making informed hiring decisions, particularly in high-risk environments.

Myth: "Background checks are only for large companies"

Fact: No matter the size of your business, completing thorough background checks on new hires is essential. Whether you’re a small start-up or a large corporation, conducting thorough background checks helps to protect your company from potential risks such as fraud, theft, and reputational damage. They ensure that new hires meet the necessary qualifications and align with your company’s values. They are therefore crucial for businesses of all sizes.

Myth: “Background check providers are all the same”

Fact: Background check providers vary significantly in quality, service and user experience, making it essential to research your options. Look for providers with strong client testimonials and positive applicant feedback to assess whether the background checking platform is effective for both employers and candidates. A good background check provider should offer a seamless experience that maintains the integrity of the hiring process. At VettingGateway, we pride ourselves on our positive reviews, which you can explore on our website and social media channels.

As outlined above, there are many common misconceptions when it comes to background checks. These myths can lead to concerns about the effectiveness and practicality of using software platforms for background checks, affecting how businesses approach this critical part of the hiring process.

Understanding the process can help you make a more informed decision, ensuring alignment with your company’s needs. Book in some time with a VettingGateway team member below to discuss your specific needs.