In a high-profile scandal, former Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson resigned after it was revealed he had fabricated his computer science degree. Hiring the wrong person doesn’t just hurt your reputation. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, it can cost your organisation up to 30% of that employee’s annual salary.
That’s only one part of the story. When you factor the time lost, the disruption to your team, and the stress of restarting the hiring process, it becomes clear that thorough pre-employment screening is more than just a formality—it’s essential for your business.
What Are Essential Pre-employment Screening Checks?
A recent study by Aptitude Research reports that companies that prioritise pre-employment screening are three times more likely to make quality hires.
Here are five must-have checks to ensure a smooth, confident hiring process:
a) Identity Verification
Before you check their qualifications, the first critical enquiry is simple: Are they really who they say they are? Verifying a candidate’s identity protects your company from fraud and misrepresentation.
With Seamfix’s automated identity checks, there’s no need to wait days for verification. We confirm IDs and biometrics in under six seconds globally, using data from trusted sources for fast, reliable answers.
b) Criminal Record Check
Every hire brings a responsibility to your team and your company’s safety. Criminal record checks offer peace of mind especially for roles handling sensitive information, finances, or vulnerable groups.
Our criminal checks are fast and comprehensive, covering multiple regions across Africa. Whether you’re hiring locally or internationally, you’ll stay compliant while getting the full picture on any potential risks.
c) Employment and Education Verification
Hiring someone who doesn’t actually have the right qualifications—like Yahoo’s former CEO—is a costly mistake. That’s why it’s essential to confirm a candidate’s background.
With Seamfix, this process is hassle-free. We streamline employment and education verifications so you can quickly move past chasing down old employers or schools and focus on what matters—the person behind the resume.
d) Reference Checks
Resumes and interviews can only tell you so much.
Talking to past employers or colleagues gives you a better view of how a candidate will fit into your culture. Will they be a team player? How do they handle stress or feedback? Reference checks fill in the gaps, offering a more thorough understanding of the candidate’s potential.
It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your hiring decision.
e) Additional Checks (Optional)
Depending on the role, you may want to dig deeper with extra screenings such as:
- Professional License Verification to ensure your candidate holds the right certifications.
- Credit Checks to gauge financial responsibility.
- Social Media Screening to glimpse their public persona. It’s not about prying but can reveal red flags that could affect your workplace.
What About Legal Compliance in Pre-employment Screening?
Supermarket chain Publix learned a hard lesson when their non-compliance with hiring regulations resulted in millions of dollars in fines. They were forced to overhaul their entire process. So, while hiring the right candidate is crucial, staying compliant with the law is just as important.
For example, regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the US require you to get explicit consent from candidates before collecting personal information.
Other laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act ensure that your hiring practices don’t disproportionately impact people based on race, religion, gender, or national origin. Electric vehicle maker Tesla faced multi-million dollar settlements for reportedly failing to adhere to these standards.
But don’t worry—no matter where you’re hiring, Seamfix ensures that your background checks comply with local regulations. We help you stay on the right side of the law, ensuring your process is fair, thorough, and legally sound wherever you operate.
Simplify Your Hiring Process with Seamfix
While gut instincts can sometimes help, relying on them alone often leads to costly hiring mistakes.
With Seamfix background checks, you can skip the guesswork and avoid the common pitfalls that catch many companies off guard, making your hiring process smoother, faster, and more secure.
Our platform covers over 230 types of documents across 5 countries, so you can quickly verify identities, check credentials, and onboard candidates—without delays or the hassle of manual verifications.
And the results speak for themselves
- 30% reduction in operational costs by eliminating manual checks
- 60% fewer fraud incidents through stronger, more reliable background checks
Let’s make your hiring easier. Book a free call today and see how Seamfix can streamline your process!
