For many companies, vetting job applicants is an essential practice in their hiring process. With the growing risk of fraud and deception in the application process and workplace overall, the need for simplified, fast and accurate results is of utmost importance.
Through technology and innovation, optimum results has never been easier.
“The use of technology in employee screening is a great way to minimise risk, increase productivity and improve user experience, according to Rudi Kruger, general manager at LexisNexis Data Services.
“Finding accurate information on job seekers would be challenging and exhausting for recruiters, especially in an over-crowded job market, had it not been for the great technological advancements in background screening that are available. Additionally, the tough job market means there are many people competing for work opportunities. With so much competition, it is possible that you will find some applicants falsifying information on their CVs to appear more desirable,” he says.
Today, combatting these risks is made faster, simpler and more accurate than ever before with online tools and solutions designed specifically to assist hiring managers in the critical hiring phase.
“Using the right technology means that recruiters and hiring managers on the receiving end of fraudulent and falsified CVs are better equipped to identify those who could potentially harm the business,” Kruger said, adding that technology comes in most handy for three checks in particular.
ID verification – Verifying an identity document is the first step to background screening. Without the use of technology, it would be quite a tedious and time-wasting task to prove the truth. Today, ID verification can be done at the click of a mouse — with peace of mind.
Criminal checks – A criminal check is an essential practice during the recruitment process as it helps raise red-flags in a candidate’s history. Criminal checks conducted on a potential new employee help the employer truly understand the candidate’s potential for dangerous behaviour and other forms of criminal activity. Criminal checks can uncover any history of illicit activity, past convictions and misdemeanours. The time it would take to access and sift through public records to find information on each candidate would not be feasible or practical without the assistance of an automated system that can do the job for you in a fraction of the time.
Qualification checks: There is a perception that there is a lot of red tape involved and time required in the process of qualification verification, which can overwhelm hiring managers. However, online verification facilities are available to produce accurate and factual information without a lengthy waiting period.
LexisNexis Data Services’ RefCheck Advanced is a pre-employment screening workflow solution is designed to assist hiring managers identify quality candidates.
RefCheck services include verification of tertiary and secondary academic qualifications held by the individual from registered local and international institutions; identity and South African citizenship validation; fraud history checks via the South African Fraud Prevention Services; credit history checks through detailed TransUnion and Experian credit bureau reports; criminal history check via AFISwitch (electronic fingerprint collection and processing); verification of local and international employment history and professional association membership; verification of drivers’ licence status; and matching of bank account against an identity number or registration number.