There’s an apparent, significant change in talent acquisition and retention because of the coronavirus outbreak. With these changes, background screening is the one aspect that’s heavily affected. That being said, hiring is still possible during this crisis. Here are three background check tips to help you navigate the current hiring challenges during the pandemic:
1. Be Mindful Of the Changes in Form I-9, and E-Verify
Though filling out the Form I-9 is still a federal requirement, there are newly implemented changes to the requirement to make the hiring process more comfortable. This goes the same for E-Verify as well.
- Form I-9 Changes
- Physical inspection of documents is temporarily suspended.
- Employers are allowed to inspect the documents over video chat apps such as Zoom or Skype.
- When the crisis ends, only then employers will be required to review the documents in person.
- E-Verify Changes
- For industries mandated to use E-verify along with form I-9’s, they are still required to create cases for their new hires within three business days from the hiring date. However, if the case creation is delayed because of the Coronavirus pandemic, new temporary policies allow employers to select “Other” and then “COVID-19” from the drop-down list, as the specific reason for the delay.
- If you have new hires who are unable to get a Social Security Number because of the SSA (Social Security Administration) office closures, you can’t create an E-Verify case until they’re able to get their SSN.
2. Don’t Conduct Social Media Checks Yourself
As an employer, you might be tempted to examine a candidate’s social media on your own, because it’s easier and cheaper.
This makes sense if you don’t require some specific checks for a particular role you’re hiring for. For example, you won’t need an MVR check for positions that don’t require driving. That being said, DIY Social Screening is still not advisable because of the high risks it presents. You might even violate different regulations without being aware of it.
3. Partner With A Background Check Solutions Provider
Courthouses all over the country are closed. They either delay hearings or hold them virtually. Despite this, it is still crucial to have access to criminal records as part of the background check process, even if courts are closed. That’s where companies that offer background check solutions come in.
When you hire a background check solutions provider such as Edge information background check, they’ll be able to obtain the needed information even during limited US court operations, or even court closures. Because of this, they’ll still be able to conduct an in-depth criminal background check.
Conclusion
While the critical need to fill roles, especially frontliners, is understandable, the cost of a bad hire is just too high for you to start being lenient on background checks. It will not only affect your company and customers, but the broader community as well especially when you’re filling roles that work directly with the general public.
Help your company to hire only the best with Edge information background check solutions. It comes from a provider that is committed to helping companies get through the hiring challenges during these times.
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