As of Q4 2023, 24 U.S. states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. Thirty-eight states have legalized the medical use of the substance. More and more states are following suit as recreational marijuana use acceptance moves into the majority. However, marijuana use and possession is still considered a federal crime, contradicting (in a sense) many state laws and legislative efforts. Can’t the federal government just flip the switch on how marijuana is considered? Well, it’s not exactly that simple. All federally controlled substances are recognized by a formal scheduling system. Sc ..read more

Whether prompted by regulation, curiosity, discontent, or a combination, the average organization will begin seeking new screening vendor options every three years or so. However, this process can be complex and disruptive, especially for larger organizations with unique needs. Making a screening vendor switch is rarely as straightforward as anticipated. From what we have gathered over many years as a full-service screening provider, the following are the most common reasons for a change (in order): Poor customer service Inability to provide all solutions that are needed Turnaround time conce ..read more

As all hiring managers know, for every one thing within your control, there are likely several things outside of your control.  The key to efficient hiring is understanding what can be controlled and refined, and adjusting until improvements are made. Working with large pools of candidates and relying on third-party vendors can be tricky. However, the biggest hiring titans in each respective industry tend to have more than a few things in common when it comes to creating efficiencies. This article will focus on creating efficiencies within the background screening process. Employment scre ..read more

As of 2023, the average credit score in the U.S. was 715– an increase of over 25 points since 2010. The “credit score,” most commonly analyzed by FICO®, is a reasonably reliable, general measure of one’s creditworthiness. It weighs factors such as delinquencies, credit utilization, average account age, and more. We often obsess over this three-digit number, failing to realize that while it represents many financial behaviors over time, certain things can cause swift rises, drops, and recoveries. The FICO score is a good credit tool but not an end-all-be-all. When conducting credit checks for e ..read more

College and professional athletics certainly garner much attention. The United States ranks first among nations worldwide, with a sporting empire that generates over $500 billion annually. In recent years, issues involving misconduct have been brought to light. These issues include various forms of abuse towards the athletes, coaches, and even officials. Significant resources have been dedicated to identifying and combatting many of these troubling problems in college and professional settings– though improvements and efforts will be ongoing. However, what is being done in arenas and on fields ..read more

Time-to-hire is a critical metric for almost any staffing agency and HR department, large or small. Employers need to fill seats, and employees need to fill mouths; there isn’t much time for unwanted bottlenecks. As an employment screening partner, we understand the frustrations that unforeseen delays in the screening process can cause. While just a small piece of the hiring undertaking, screening has become an integral part of the equation, and delays can extend hiring dates and cause strain if not duly accounted for and addressed.  The truth is that delays can often be shortened or alto ..read more

Attracting talent and attracting top talent are two different considerations. “Top talent” is a fairly nuanced term with different meanings depending on the organization. It doesn’t just speak to the skills and disposition of a candidate but also the ability to learn/improve over time and integrate into an organization’s culture. “Top talent” is variable and, as a term, can be replaced with: “people that suit your organization well.” As we will discuss, a resume is becoming a smaller piece of the hiring puzzle for many organizations. The current employment landscape is changing, and hiring is ..read more

As most of us know, the healthcare industry faces what many deem to be (or is soon to become) a hiring crisis. According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), we are trending towards a 3.2 million healthcare workers shortage by 2026. Factors contributing to this shortage include: Rapid growth of the 65 and older age group Increase in chronic conditions (in young and old patients) Increased utilization of basic healthcare Upcoming wave of healthcare retirees Each institution is also battling a turnover issue, particularly among first and second-year nurses and CNAs. At some point in the ..read more

Credit reports are a valuable part of any comprehensive background check for employment or personal purposes. Such information provides insights into an individual’s financial responsibility over several years.  It is important to note that one’s credit score is not included in a background screening credit report for employment (a FICO score is included with certain personal background check packages). Employers will not see a credit score. What is included, however, can tell an even more complete story. Where Does the Information Come From? Whether you, as an individual, are ordering a ..read more

As is true with most business-to-business service providers, background screening providers often highlight specific industries with accompanying claims of being particularly well-poised to provide solutions to them. Some providers focus on the healthcare industry; others focus on HR staffing, and so on. While certainly a marketing strategy for CRAs, the question remains: does the employer’s specific industry really matter when it comes to providing background screening solutions? Well, the answer is yes and no. Let’s explain. Is the Data Different? The specific screening program that best aid ..read more