Going back into an employee's life is an essential part of employment screening. In this extremely competitive era, employers need to make absolutely sure that they are hiring the right candidate. Often this is by going back and looking into a potential employee's background.

There are also some industries for which companies are mandated by State and Federal law to carry out pre employment background checks. Corporate organizations that employ commercial drivers have to conduct drug screening for all employees.

Similarly companies that deal with securities and casinos need to screen al their employees for criminal records. Most states mandate employee background checks for individuals working with children, elderly and disabled.

However, at most times, organizations require background screening even when it is not mandated by law. There are several reasons for this. One of the main reasons is that applicant screening reduces the risk of negligent hiring and retention lawsuits. According to recent surveys, more than two-thirds of work related disputes that make it to the court are negligent hiring cases. The average award in these suits is $3 million.

Some large corporate organizations also conduct applicant screening for their own well-being. No employer wants to hire an employee who has a criminal record or who is involved in a case of embezzlement.

Most large corporate organizations tend to outsource applicant screening to an employment screening company. This makes a lot of sense as there are several laws that govern the way that the information can be obtained as well as to its uses. Background checks not only help to prevent workplace violence but are a defense against liability claims.

Based on the information that has been solicited, applicant screening can take from one day to a few day. On an average, however, it takes around 48 hours. A lot of employment screening companies also undertake nation wide criminal background checks. This takes a lot of time.

Background screening companies are regulated by the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act and the various state versions of these laws. As state versions are often stricter than the federal laws, the employment screening company needs to be aware of the different state laws as well.

It is vital for employers to hire a professional background screening company for applicant screening as this will ensure a search that is in accordance with the law.

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