What can we expect for background screening in 2011

As 2010 draws to a close, we can take a look back on what has been quite a significant year in the background screening industry, and a look forward at what promises to be another challenging year ahead. The pre-employment background screening industry finds itself in a very different position than it was in this time last year, for both job seekers and employers – why and how has this happened, and what’s going to happen next?

The two main changes we have seen are the ever-increasing widespread use of background checks when it comes to making hiring decisions, and the role credit checks should play in this process. There are a variety of reasons as to why more and more employers are now understanding the importance of a background check – primarily to protect their employees from violence and to protect themselves from being liable should violence occur. Furthermore, in this difficult economy, some job seekers are providing false information on their applications in the hope they will get work, and background checks are one way of validating claims that are made.

In regards to credit checks, in the last year there has been a lot of debate over whether they should be included in a background screening – does you personal financial situation affect your ability to fulfill your job responsibilities? Some states have argued yes and already incorporated this into their legislation.

2011 is sure to bring many surprises – there will be a fair share of both political and economic issues that will affect the background screening industry. I think you can expect to see even more severe measures to ensure that these checks are enforced across all areas of society, as well as continued debate regarding what exactly should be in a background check. Furthermore, it is my belief that stories of suffering and consequences due to organizations failing to complete background checks on staff will be embellished and brought to the public’s attention – if only to re-enforce the importance of background screening.

It will be interesting to look back at this post in a years time and see whether these predictions are correct. Is there anything I have missed? What are your thoughts on how the pre-employment background screening industry will evolve over the next 12 months?