Background screening doesn’t look the same across every industry. For example, a hospital hiring nurses wouldn’t run the same background checks as a trucking company that employs drivers. Every industry has its own compliance standards and risk factors to consider, and that’s where a vertical screening approach can make a difference.
Verticalized background screening focuses on the specific needs and demands of your industry. By working with a screening provider that specializes in your field, you can get faster, more relevant insights to make hiring decisions with confidence. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of vertical screening and why it matters for your business.
What is Industry Specialization in Background Screening?
Industry specialization, also known as verticalization, refers to focusing on one or more specific industries. For background screening vendors (also known as Consumer Reporting Agencies), it means a provider understands the compliance requirements and safety considerations that matter most in your field.
For example, a verticalized background screening provider for healthcare organizations will have extensive knowledge of caregiver background checks and license verification. Another verticalized provider specializing in transportation will understand Department of Transportation (DOT) background check requirements.
When you work with a specialized screening provider, you can expect tailored background check solutions that meet the demands and realities of your industry.
Benefits of Partnering with a Verticalized Background Screening Provider
Working with a verticalized background screening partner can bring another layer of support to your hiring process. Some benefits of this partnership can include:
- Compliance expertise: Different industries have unique compliance requirements and screening standards. A verticalized provider will be familiar with these regulations and understand how they apply to your field.
- Relevant screening: Generic screening practices may be irrelevant, unnecessary, or incomplete. Vertical screening, on the other hand, focuses on the checks that matter for the roles you hire, like license verification for healthcare providers.
- Knowledge of industry best practices: A specialized partner will have in-depth knowledge of your industry’s best practices for applicant screening. They can help you implement those practices to get meaningful results from background checks.
- Faster implementation: Since a verticalized provider already understands your industry’s needs, they can work with you to get a screening program up and running quickly. You can expect a streamlined onboarding process when working with a specialized screening partner.
- Scalable solutions: Your background screening program may need to change as your organization shifts or grows. A verticalized partner can work with you to scale your screening process at every stage.
What Industries Benefit Most from Vertical Screening?
Vertical screening is valuable in many industries, especially those with complex compliance requirements and specific safety concerns. Here are some industries where vertical screening can make a big difference:
Healthcare
In healthcare, safety and compliance must be factors in every hiring decision. Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations need to ensure patient safety while balancing complex regulatory requirements. To meet industry standards, healthcare background checks usually include license verification, exclusion checks, occupational health screening, and education and employment verification.
A verticalized partner can tailor a screening program to your facility and compliance needs, providing safe, relevant, and timely background checks to minimize hiring risks.
Education
Schools and universities have a duty to create safe learning environments for students, faculty, and staff. In the education sector, screening programs often include criminal background checks, employment verification, drug screening, and sex offender registry searches.
For colleges and universities, an education-specific screening provider can also perform student background checks to support your institution’s safety standards. This verticalized approach can help you meet industry standards and state requirements.
Transportation
Transportation is a heavily regulated industry with strict requirements under the Department of Transportation (DOT). Background checks for DOT-regulated employers should include motor vehicle record (MVR) checks, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, criminal history checks, and employment verification.
A verticalized provider fully understands DOT background check requirements and can streamline compliance for your organization. They can also offer ongoing support for annual MVR checks and post-hire monitoring programs.
Manufacturing
In manufacturing, workplace safety is the top priority. Manufacturing background checks should cover criminal history searches, drug screening, employment verification, and MVR checks for driving roles. It also includes ongoing services, such as post-accident alcohol and drug testing or random drug testing programs.
Working with an industry-specific screening provider can help you create a safe, scalable background check program for your organization. Whether you’re hiring for a single position or hundreds of seasonal roles, a verticalized partner can help you maintain consistency and compliance with safety standards and internal policies.
Finance and Insurance
Financial organizations and insurance companies often need to hire employees who can be trusted with sensitive customer data and internal business information. Screening programs typically include credit reports, sanction and watchlist searches, and employment verification. Some positions in this industry may also require license verification.
A verticalized screening provider can help you build a background check program that balances compliance with accuracy and efficiency. This tailored approach can help you onboard trustworthy employees while meeting industry regulations and compliance requirements.
Tips for Choosing a Verticalized Screening Vendor
Choosing the best background check provider for your organization isn’t a decision you should make lightly. Here’s what to look for in a specialized screening partner:
- Industry experience: Ask questions to learn what industries a provider specializes in. Reputable background check companies can share information about how they support other clients in your industry.
- Compliance knowledge: A specialized screening provider should have up-to-date knowledge of compliance requirements in your field. They may provide resources, such as regular compliance updates, to help you meet your industry’s regulatory requirements.
- Customized solutions: A verticalized partner won’t offer a “one-size-fits-all” screening package. Look for a partner that offers customized screening services tailored to your industry’s biggest needs.
- Quality service: Choose a partner who delivers exceptional customer service, in addition to extensive industry knowledge. When you have a question or concern, your provider should have a responsive team ready with the answers you need.
Partner with InCheck for Vertical Screening Solutions That Meet Your Needs
Generic background checks don’t reflect the unique hiring challenges of your industry. Vertical screening can align your hiring process with your industry’s compliance requirements and safety needs, giving you the insights you need to hire new employees confidently.
At InCheck, we offer tailored background check solutions for specific industries, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, finance, and transportation, among others. Through our work with other companies in these sectors, we’ve gained a specialized knowledge of industry best practices and requirements. We use these insights to help organizations build screening programs that meet their needs.
For more information about building a vertical screening program that fits your industry, contact us today!