Business Myth Busters: What Is a Certified Background Check?

In today’s business economy, background checks are a standard part of the pre-employment process. With so many options available, how do you ensure you’re receiving a certified background check? We tackle some of the myths surrounding the industry. Myth: A certified background check is too expensive.Truth: A low-cost or free report usually means the company…

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Ensure Your Background Checks Are in Compliance with State Laws

This summer, the state of Illinois ruled companies within the state could no longer ask applicants about their salary history. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the law in late July and joined several other states who also have similar measures in place. Currently California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Vermont have similar bans that…

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EEOC files its first two lawsuits accusing employers of gender bias

the EEOC filed its first two lawsuits accusing employers of gender bias for discriminating against employees on the basis of sexual orientation. Specifically, both cases allege employee harassment on the basis of sexual orientation. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination because of sex. As the federal law enforcement agency charged…

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Thinking about employment pre-screening? Here are the typers of checks to consider.

Employment pre-screening, while not at the forefront of the political debates, is becoming more and more important for small business owners. It’s more important than ever to ensure you’re aware of EEOC, FCRA and Federal and State Requirements, and performing the right employment pre-screening for your business. There are various points in the hiring process…

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What is the Fair Chance Act in NYC?

Fair Chance Act was introduced in New York City. With the goal of providing a level playing field for all New York job seekers, this law states that an employer cannot ask about an applicant’s criminal record until a conditional job offer is made. [caption id="attachment_4944" align="alignleft" width="300"] Attribution: Gale A Brewer[/caption] Purpose The purpose…

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Employment pre-screening to keep your business protected

90 percent of companies now implement employment pre-screening. The fact that 10% of all background checks have at least one serious red flag, suggests that organizations which do implement an employment screening program are right to do so! Nonetheless, employment screening is a complex industry. It’s tough to understand as a newcomer. Any employer that…

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Employment Screening: A look back at 2014

INDUSTRY TRENDS The ban-the-box movement continued to gain traction in more cities and states, and 2014 saw Washington D.C., New Jersey and Delaware pass their own versions of state-wide ban-the-box laws. Now, more than 30 states have some type of laws to protect those with criminal backgrounds and help them to find employment without being…

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Fair fear: employees not screened regularly, consistently

There’s something new to keep in mind when it comes to visiting your state and local fairs this summer and fall, and it’s not your cholesterol after consuming new iterations of unusual fried goodies. Two companies that are hired out to various fairs and carnivals in Washington and Oregon have had problems with hiring criminals…

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Illinois law bans background checks early in hiring process

Illinois is the latest state to pass legislation preventing employers from conducting background checks early on in the hiring process. Under the new law, which was signed by Governor Pat Quinn in July, private employers that have more than 15 employees may only conduct background checks after an interview has been conducted and the candidate…

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Avoid EEOC lawsuits with smart pre-employment background screening practices

revised and re-released in 2012. In 2013, the EEOC filed 131 lawsuits, including suits against Dollar General and BMW. “We have an obligation to move beyond the ‘safe’ cases, and to identify and address less familiar discriminatory barriers emerging from changes in the economy, technology and demographics,” said P. David Lopez, the EEOC’s General Counsel.…

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