You’ve reviewed dozens of resumes, conducted interviews with top candidates, and extended a conditional offer to your chosen finalist. Now you just need to do a background check. That shouldn’t take too long — right?
Turnaround times for background checks can vary widely depending on different factors, including the type of screening and the response times from sources. If you don’t have time to waste, it’s worth knowing how to speed up background check turnaround times. This guide explores some factors that can delay turnaround times, along with solutions to expedite the screening process and onboard new hires faster.
Why Turnaround Times Matter in Background Screening
Delays in background screening results can slow down the hiring process. Longer turnaround times leave you in limbo, unable to move forward with the top candidates. Positions stay vacant longer, often leading to decreased productivity and higher stress levels among your current staff.
Not only do delays impact your hiring timeline, but they can also affect the candidate experience. You risk losing top candidates to competitors that move faster. Lengthy turnaround times can also frustrate candidates and leave them with a negative perception of your company.
Additionally, delayed screenings can have legal and compliance implications, especially in regulated industries. When you perform background checks quickly and efficiently, you can maintain compliance while strengthening your company’s reputation in the field.
Factors Affecting the Background Check Turnaround Time
Many people believe there’s a single database housing all the relevant information needed for a background check. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. In reality, you may need to access several sources — or more — to complete a background screening.
For example, a criminal background check may require you to contact federal, state, and county courthouses, each with their own processes and timelines. If you complete additional screenings, such as education and employment verification, you need to contact previous employers and educational institutions. These sources may be slow to provide results, delaying your hiring process.
In addition, some background screening services have more complex requirements than others. Credit reports, for example, require an on-site inspection of your business. Other checks, such as high school verification, create more work for you, adding time to the screening process.
Besides the complexity and scope of screenings, other factors impacting turnaround times can include:
- Geographic differences between states or counties, as well as jurisdictional requirements
- A candidate’s responsiveness in consenting to a background check or providing information
- The accuracy and thoroughness of the candidate’s information
- A candidate’s name (for example, common names may return many results, which require additional review)
Common Misconceptions about Turnaround Times
When it comes to background checks, there are many myths about turnaround times. A common one is “the faster, the better.” Of course, every hiring manager wants quick turnaround times. But when speed interferes with the accuracy of results, it can compromise the integrity of your screening process. It’s better to be thorough and precise, so you can feel confident in the results and make informed hiring decisions.
To streamline screenings, many employers choose to outsource background checks to a third-party provider. While working with a company can significantly reduce turnaround times, it’s imperative to consider the service you’re getting. Not every background check company offers the same level of service. Some prioritize speedy results at the expense of accuracy, leaving you with more questions than answers.
Additionally, some companies offer generic, bare-bones services, rather than working with you to build a complete screening package for your needs. When choosing a background check provider, make sure you evaluate its reputation and offerings to find the right balance between speed and accuracy.
Factors That Speed Up Background Check Turnaround Times
Some factors in the screening process, like courthouse response times, are outside your control. But you can choose the background check provider you work with — a factor that has a direct impact on turnaround times.
When you’re evaluating different background screening providers, consider these factors if you want faster background checks:
- Customer service: Partnering with a service-oriented provider can lead to quicker results. You’ll be able to reach an actual representative if you have questions or want updates.
- Training and development: Reputable companies prioritize training to build efficient teams with the knowledge and expertise to complete tasks quickly.
- Continuous improvement: When a background screening provider checks in with you and reviews processes, they can make recommendations to improve turnaround times.
- Customizable solutions: Not every business needs the same screening process. With customizable solutions, you get a relevant screening package that leads to quicker hiring decisions.
- Optimized resources: A good provider can optimize resources and streamline processes to minimize the time it takes to complete background checks.
- Tailored automation: It’s no secret that automated tasks go much faster than manual ones. Work with a screening company that can embed its customized processes into your existing workflows.
Best Practices for Fast, Efficient Background Screening
Want to improve your background screening turnaround times? Follow these best practices for quicker results:
- Inform candidates. Be upfront with candidates and clearly explain what information they need to provide. Ask them to respond quickly to the background check invitation to expedite the process.
- Set realistic expectations. Understanding the steps involved in your screening strategy can help you know what turnaround times to reasonably expect. The more steps you have, the longer the process may take.
- Communicate openly. If you work with a background screening provider, communicate openly about the best- and worst-case turnaround times. Direct, transparent communication can allow the provider to design a background check program that adheres to your hiring timeline.
InCheck Offers Fast, Accurate Background Checks for Employers
Lengthy background check turnaround times can prolong your hiring process and tarnish your employer brand. Partner with a background screening company that can deliver the quick, thorough results you need to hire the right candidates.
At InCheck, our average turnaround time is under two days, with some screening results available even more quickly. When you have questions about the timeline, we’ll get you an answer quickly, since our average customer response time clocks in under 15 minutes. Contact us today for a consultation to learn how we can improve your hiring process with faster turnaround times.