VeriFirst Background Screening • 25th April 2025

Managing Risks with Post-Hire Background Checks

While pre-employment background checks are a critical step in the hiring process, they only capture a candidate's history up to that point. Over time, an employee's circumstances may change, potentially introducing new risks to the organization. Post-hire background checks help mitigate these risks by ensuring that employees continue to meet the company's standards for safety, security, and reliability. Since pre-employment background checks are essentially a snapshot in time, it's important to...

VeriFirst Background Screening • 11th April 2025

What is considered illegal DEI?

On March 19, 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) released a joint statement introducing two pieces of EEOC guidance for employers regarding workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This guidance outlines the Trump Administration’s perspective on how DEI efforts might conflict with anti-discrimination laws. The term 'illegal DEI' has emerged mainly due to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The or...

VeriFirst Background Screening • 28th February 2025

Navigating Criminal History in Hiring Decisions

When a job candidate's criminal background check results reveal a criminal history, it's up to the employer and hiring manager to make a fair and consistent decision that keeps their workplace safe. That challenge becomes even more complicated when considering the legal ramifications of a blanket deny-all policy for any candidates who have been arrested or served time. HR professionals must navigate the legal landscape surrounding using criminal records in hiring decisions. Federal, state, and...

VeriFirst Background Screening • 23rd January 2025

Essential Pre-Adverse Action Steps for HR Professionals

HR professionals must ensure compliance with legal standards and maintain fairness throughout the hiring and background checks process. They must meticulously follow each step that governs the use of consumer reports in employment decisions to protect both the organization and the candidates, ensuring that every action taken follows the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other relevant regulations. By doing so, they not only uphold the integrity of the hiring process but also foster a transpar...

VeriFirst Background Screening • 13th September 2024

Reducing Background Check Turnaround Time Effectively

To remain competitive, companies must streamline their hiring procedures, including background checks, so they don't miss out on the best people for the job. Efficient background checks allow for quicker onboarding, which can be particularly beneficial for urgently needed positions. By reducing the time it takes to complete these checks, companies can enhance their hiring processes and improve overall productivity. One of the most common bottlenecks in employment background screening is the man...

VeriFirst Background Screening • 26th April 2024

Does AI Help or Hurt HR?

The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in human resources is becoming increasingly prevalent. AI is reshaping traditional HR practices, offering new opportunities for efficiency, accuracy, and strategic decision-making. AI is revolutionizing how HR professionals operate, from recruitment and hiring processes to employee engagement and retention. As organizations continue to embrace AI technologies, we must address the potential challenges and concerns that come with relying on AI in HR. With...

VeriFirst Background Screening • 19th August 2022

Why More American Employees are 'Quiet Quitting'

American workers of all ages are actively disengaging from their jobs in a recent trend called "Quiet Quitting." In simple terms, the trend reveals that employees and independent contractors alike are putting down boundaries and no longer going above and beyond for their employers. Also called "acting your wage" or staying in scope, workers are seeking more work/life balance, especially if they're not being rewarded for the extra work. Let's look at why more employees are quiet quitting. As we

VeriFirst Background Screening • 5th August 2022

What is an FCRA-Compliant Background Check?

One of the most important responsibilities of HR is to protect their employers. They must verify that candidates are vetted as a good fit for the company because the cost of employee turnover is high. When vetting candidates, they must also comply with federal and state regulations, including FCRA compliance. FCRA-compliant background checks protect employers by saving money and reducing risk. What is an FCRA-compliant background check? What Does the FCRA Do? The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FC

VeriFirst Background Screening • 8th July 2022

How Does HR Work with Background Check Companies?

When hiring managers need to know more about their job applicants or employees, they'll seek out information through an employment background check. Human resources managers have the option to search for the information online via a data aggregator, seek out a screening company offering a deal, or partner with a background check company. Of course, we recommend the last option to reduce risk, reduce costs and turnaround times, and receive trusted information in return. How does HR work with bac

VeriFirst Background Screening • 21st June 2022

Support the Workforce with a Trauma-Informed HR

The past few years have done a number on American workers. Between social injustice protests, an ongoing pandemic, and demands to return to the office, over three-quarters of employees are reporting at least one symptom of a mental health condition. It's up to human resources and leadership to help their workforce feel encouraged. A trauma-informed HR is necessary to support a struggling workforce. Here's how. Effects of Trauma in the Workplace In a relatively short period of time, individual

VeriFirst Background Screening • 27th May 2022

Supporting Families Victimized By Gun Violence

After the 27th school shooting of 2022 so far and more mass shootings than days of the year, we're at a loss for words. We've discussed how to support mental health concerns and how to prevent violence in the workplace already on this blog. It doesn't seem appropriate to write about much else so today, we're doing something different. Here's how to support families victimized by gun violence. While VeriFirst does supply background checks for employers, businesses and property owners, we do no

VeriFirst Background Screening • 21st March 2022

Felons Have the Right to Work Too: Job Related Background Screening

Conducting background checks on prospective employees, contractors and volunteers have become standard operating procedure for organizations across the United States. With the number of screenings and outdated screening policies, there has been a natural rise in litigation and punitive fines being paid by employers. It is imperative that background check policies are updated to honor an individual's right to work in this country. Use these background screening best practices and sample template

VeriFirst Background Screening • 11th March 2022

Does Your Organization Welcome Activism?

Activism isn't new. Companies and organizations speaking out, however, is a relatively recent phenomenon. As younger generations are entering the workforce and others are re-entering after the pandemic, they're expecting more from their employers. Take the month of March, for example. With social media posts going around about Women's History Month and International Women's Day, it begs the question: Are organizations walking their talk? Is leadership aware of what they're inviting inside their

VeriFirst Background Screening • 7th January 2022

Employment, Hiring and Background Screening Trends for 2022

As is our annual tradition, we look back over the previous year to predict future trends for the new year. Employers and hiring managers have had a rough two years and are looking for the light at the end of a very long tunnel. Without further ado... The Top Ten Posts of 2021: Employment, Hiring and Background Screening Trends for 2022. #10: What Do Candidates Expect from Employers Post-Pandemic? As employers sought to increase recruitment efforts, it's no surprise that this topic would be in

VeriFirst Background Screening • 6th October 2021

How Vaccines Are Affecting Hiring and Recruiting

Not only has the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered where and how we work, but it has also affected hiring and recruiting. Consider the following questions: Do candidates need to reveal their vaccination status when they apply for a job? Are hiring managers background screening for vaccinations before considering an applicant? How are COVID vaccines affecting hiring and recruiting for employers? As of this writing, employers from Amtrak to the Washington Post have mandated COVID vaccinatio

VeriFirst Background Screening • 27th September 2021

How Positive is Your Workplace Culture?

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) published a study in 2019 revealing that toxic workplace cultures cost businesses $223B in five years. Since that time, employers and their workforce have been navigating a pandemic, learning how to work remotely and often, leaving their jobs. Quite simply, employees have higher expectations than they did before. A 2021 SHRM study reveals that positive workplace culture was what mattered most to those employees who stayed with their employers thro

VeriFirst Background Screening • 23rd July 2021

Go For Gold 🎖️ with These HR Hiring Tips

It's Olympics time and we have some winning tips for HR professionals and hiring managers. Going for the gold doesn't mean beating yourself down to cross the finish line. It means keeping a steady, efficient pace, making the right decisions, and saving some gold 💰 along the way. Use these top hiring tips so your HR team finishes best! Finding the right candidate for the job starts with identifying what the job will be. Start by talking with those who will be working directly with the new emplo

VeriFirst Background Screening • 28th May 2021

Take 🏳️‍🌈PRIDE In Your Workplace LGBTQ+ Representation

LGBTQ+ employees rate lower satisfaction at work compared to their non-LGBTQ+ colleagues, according to an analysis of reviews on Glassdoor. The Trevor Project reports that one in three LGBTQ+ young adults faces workplace discrimination. And according to Investopedia, trans adults are less likely to hold management roles and are six times less likely to receive a job offer. Most of these challenges start with representation in leadership, opportunities, and benefits. In tribute to Pride month, w

VeriFirst Background Screening • 19th March 2021

How to Reduce Anti-Asian Bullying in the Workplace

Hate incidents against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have risen since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a February press release from Stop AAPI Hate, there have been over 2,808 firsthand accounts of anti-Asian racism and discrimination incidents around the United States since March 19, 2020. Some of these assaults were verbal or physical harassment. Others were workplace discrimination and refusal of service at businesses. Whether your employees are being bullied o

VeriFirst Background Screening • 12th February 2021

Can Employers Fire Someone For their Social Media?

Yesterday it was reported that Gina Carano was fired from her role in Lucasfilm's The Mandalorian. According to a spokesperson for the company, Carano's social media posts were in question and lead to her termination from the show. Over the past few years, there have been social media posts or tweets that have lead to consequences from employers. Do employers have the right to do this? Can employers fire someone for their social media? Fired for Having an Unpopular Opinion? Some disgruntled f