Sunday, September 24, 2017

Why You Need to Contact Us Before You Hire!


Are You ready to Grow Your Business?
Making more informed hiring decisions with a comprehensive employment background check is the place to start!  

Whether you are thinking about hiring full-time, part-time, seasonal help, or even taking on a partner or sub-contractor, API is here to help you! Our services are designed to make your hiring process transparent, compliant, and cost-effective.

Why should You Hire API?
Our Knowledge and Experience
Since 1996, we have made it our mission to use the most direct, comprehensive resources and practice the best methods for getting the information our clients need. 

An employment background check is only as good as the verifying sources used. At API, we don’t rely on online databases to obtain your information. We directly contact the courts, employers, and educational institutions needed. Our reason? It is the best way to ensure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date results! 

We stay Informed on Hiring Laws and Regulations
Using API will take the worry out of your compliance and discrimination questions. We make it our duty to keep up with all the latest EEOC, FCRA, and federal, state, and local compliance regulations.

We Keep Your Confidentiality and Protect Your Employee Information
When companies conduct background checks internally, applicants and existing employees may question the confidentiality of their personal information. They may wonder who actually has access to their records. This can create mistrust.

By outsourcing your background checks, your employee records are kept more confidential. Access is limited to the screening company you hire and the results are given directly to you. Only those within your company that you choose will ever have access to that information. Check out our Privacy Policy to find our more!

We are Your Barrier against Discrimination Claims
API will act as your buffer against seeing the things you shouldn’t see or consider in making a hiring decision. This includes things like criminal or civil cases where your applicant was never convicted or protected information pertaining to their race, age, sex, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation.

Remember, what you see cannot be unseen. By providing you with only the information to which you are legally permitted, we will help protect you from possible discrimination litigation and the possibility of bias in hiring.

We can save you Time, Money, and Resources
Using our services won’t break the bank! We are here to listen to your needs and will work with you to determine the right scope for your background check. We will never try to sell you on screening services you don’t need. Our goal will always be to fit the background check to the job!

Take a look at what API has to offer!
Each of our services is designed to meet your hiring needs. Our criminal and civil record checks are done directly through the courts. We also go to the source when it comes to verifying education and employment records. We believe that is the best way to ensure you get up to date and accurate results.

Find out more about what we can do for you on our Background Investigation & Applicant Services page!



At API, our passion is helping businesses…and our clients know it! Take a look at what they have to say!

We believe in what we do and we care about you and your business. Our biggest goal is to help you succeed ~ it is what drives us and it is behind everything we do and why we do it!
That is what helps set us apart.


Let API help you too! Contact Us Today for a consultation ~ we would love to get to know about you and your business!

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Sunday, September 17, 2017

What You need to Know for a Smooth Background Check



When it comes to Background Checks, even savvy employers like you are often stymied.


Most of you already know WHY doing employment background checks makes sense for both you and your company. You understand that “by thoroughly checking every employee that you hire, you are showing that you take your company “brand”, reputation, and bottom line seriously”.


That is why hiring a safe workforce makes sense. It shows your willingness to protect your employees and your clients and customers.  


Find out more about the “Why” of employment background checks in “If You are not Doing Background Checks on Your New Hires, You are Making the Biggest Mistake Your Small Business can Make”.

But when it comes to knowing exactly what happens, and when, it is often less clear.


And for any employer, being in the dark or confused about what it takes to complete a background check is unwise. 


Having the entire process run smoothly is everyone’s goal ~ and that is why being fully aware of what is happening each step of the way make sense!


Discover the Steps it Really Takes to Complete a Background Check “Tweet This”!




Most employment background checks follow a similar timeline.


Your Employment Background Checks ~ a Step by Step Guide:
  1. Obtain Client Request and a Signed Release
  2. Search Court Records
  3. Verify Education and Past Employments
  4. Check References
  5. Request Driving Records
  6. Send Final Reports to Client

Find out more about the steps I take to complete your background checks in “Life of a Background Check ~ Start to Finish”!

While the steps listed above are the most basic background check requests, depending upon your type of business, you may have some additional needs. Checking things like past addresses, verifying your applicant’s social security number, and even doing a social media investigation are all possibilities.

See the background check services we offer at API here!

In order for your hiring process to run smoothly, it is crucial that you know what happens each step of the way. Only then will everyone be on the same page and understand what to expect.


How can You Achieve a Smooth Running Background Check Process? 



Hiring a good screening company is a great start. 


They will help explain the steps it takes to complete a good and accurate background check. They will also be completely transparent about the entire process and be on-hand to explain any questions or concerns you may have.

Check out these tips to show you how in "How to Pick the Best Background Check Company" for you and your business!


The ultimate goal of any employment background check is to obtain the information you need to make a safe and talented hire. That is why knowing and understanding the steps it takes to get there is simply good business!



Need help hiring for your company? 
Contact Us now! 
We can answer your questions and get your process on track!


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have to Say too!

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Want to Donate? What You need to Know Now!



Many Americans are Coming Together.
While it might not be in all the ways we would like, for many there is a renewed sense of charity and a belief in the importance of helping those less fortunate. 

I am gladdened by the feeling of community that has developed. People are finding ways to help each other whenever and wherever they can. 

When it comes to those displaced by natural disasters and wildfires, many organized relief efforts are underway. Shelters have been provided by local and national organizations. Emergency responders have gone above and beyond to rescue those impacted. Response contact centers have also been set up to answer pressing questions and offer information. Even private citizens have traveled to the impacted areas to help in rescue efforts.

People volunteer to work in shelters and food pantries to help the less fortunate. They donate new and used clothing, food, and other items to help.

But not everyone is able to give such "hands-on" help. That is where giving to charitable organizations comes in.

Charities, both new and established, are using television, radio, print, and social media to ask for donations for those effected by these tragedies and for other members of our society and the world who are struggling. 

They promise that money raised will go towards those needing it the most. Families temporarily, or even possibly permanently, without homes. Babies and children in pressing need of clothing. Many who lack even the basic of necessities ~ things like food, water, and personal items.


There is no doubt that we, as caring people, want to help. We see the looks of devastation and hopelessness and are looking for any way we can make a difference.  

But before making that donation, there are things you need to know about these charities.
And that begins by getting the answers to these 3 important questions:
  • Is the Charity legitimate or a Scam?
  • Where does the money raised go?
  • What percentage of the money raised goes directly to the cause?
Without clear cut and truthful answers to these questions, you would be unwise to donate your hard earned money.


That doesn't mean you should be scared or stop giving. It simply means you shouldn't go in blindly.

There are some easy steps you can take to give you peace of mind when you decide to make a donation.
  1. Research Charity Online
  2. Check Out the Charities Contact Information & Mailing Address
  3. Contact the Charity Directly
  4. Do a Civil and/or Criminal Court Check on the Charity / Key Executives
Find more detailed information on how to make sure the money you donate is really doing the most good in, "Do This Before You Give Money to any Charity"!



Act as if What You Do Makes a Difference. 
It Does! "Tweet This"

Good charities no doubt do good in the world. They give much needed aid to those who desperately need the help. And they rely on donations from concerned citizens to keep going.

People doing and giving what they can to help other people is the absolute best way to make a difference in the world.


But simply giving without doing your homework first doesn't make sense. You deserve to know exactly how your donations are being used. 

Only then can you donate with your eyes wide open and knowing that you are helping the people who need it most.
And that is what it truly means to be Charitable!


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Still worried about how you can donate safely? We can Help! Contact Us and we will answer your questions!

Security Consulting services too! 



Sunday, September 3, 2017

Labor Day ~ What it Means to Our Nation's History!



At Access Profiles, and across our Nation, we celebrate the American worker!
We honor their hard work and achievements and value what they contribute to our communities and our nation. 

Many of us will share posts on our social sites wishing everyone a Happy Labor Day. And we will make plans for a long weekend with family and friends. 

But while it is certainly a time for celebration, it is also important that we remember the original reason for Labor Day. 
Labor Day began as a way to quell civil unrest and recognize those that fought for, and achieved, workplace reform.

Before Labor Day became a national holiday, protests were escalating over the working conditions of the time. People worked an average of 10 hours a day, 6 days a week, and many much more than that. (*Source1) Employees earned an approximate yearly wage of $445 (which translates to about $10,200 by today's standards). Benefits like vacations or health insurance were unheard of.  

Workplaces were also unsafe. Labor regulations and employee safety legislation did not exist in our country. Long hours contributed to weary workers. "Get the job done no matter the cost" was the norm.   

According to "The Struggles of Labor"(*Source2); anyone trying to change the system, was met with unresponsive and uncooperative business owners. Even the judiciary was found to rule against those trying to enact change to benefit the American worker. 

The courts' rulings followed "the prevailing philosophy of the times. As John D. Rockefeller is reported to have said: "the growth of a large business is merely a survival of the fittest." This "Social Darwinism," as it was known, had many proponents who argued that any attempt to regulate business was tantamount to impeding the natural evolution of the species". Even as late as 1900, the United States had the highest job-related fatality rate of any industrialized nation in the world! 

It took those willing to put themselves on the line to enact necessary change. Groups organized, some nationwide, whose goals were to increase wages, reduce hours, and improve working conditions. 

Incidents of violent protests and strikes were not uncommon. 

It was in direct response to this civil unrest that Congress passed the law making the first Monday in September Labor Day (Congress passed the Labor Day law in 1894).

While things now are certainly not perfect, the days of complete disregard for our workers' safety and quality of life hopefully are a thing of the past.

What Employers should learn Now from Labor Day's Past! "Tweet This"

The best employers know and understand this. They have learned from the past and changed their focus.


Instead of placing little value on their employees, the best companies do what they can to make their workplace safe and provide their employees with the tools to succeed. 

Companies recognize that Workplace Safety means things like keeping it a drug free zone and doing background checks before hiring.

"When you hire, you need to remember that who you hire is a reflection of your business. They are often the first “face” of your company that your clients and customers see.

Your clients often deal with your employees on a much more intimate basis than they do with you.  


That is why making a hiring mistake can actually harm your carefully cultivated brand. It can even put your small business, your other employees, and your clients in jeopardy".

Find out more about the importance of employment screening in your business in "If You're not doing Background Checks on Your New Hires, You are making the Biggest Mistake Your Small Business can Make!". 

This emphasis on workplace safety even includes policies designed to stop bullying and harassment. Unlike in years past, business owners understand the need to get on board and make their workplace a "bully free" zone. They are willing to do what it takes to keep their employees safe.

"Responsibility for making changes in how your company deals with harassment needs to start at the top ~ with you, the business owner, and your managers and supervisors. You need to develop a “follow the leader” mentality and set an example.  When upper level employees are allowed to discriminate or harass, your company is in trouble". 

Discover more about what you can do in, "It's On Us ~ Is Your Company Ready to Step Up & Stop Workplace Harassment?".

Good business owners also realize that creating that safe workplace needs to be a team effort. It can't be accomplished alone.

"One of the most successful tactics you can use to create a work environment that is as safe as possible is to make it a Team Effort. Getting all your employees onboard and creating the culture that safety is more important than profits makes sense".

Discover steps to accomplish this in "Workplace Safety needs to be a Team Effortand you can learn more tips to help you keep your company safe in "5 Things You Need to Consider to Keep Your Company Safe"!

In addition to the importance of workplace safety, the best businesses also recognize the importance of creating a company that values their workers and retains their good ones.

Being clear about your company culture, encouraging a diverse and welcoming environment, and even revamping your hiring procedures can all make a difference. All have an impact on how job seekers, and eventually your employees, perceive you and your company. 

Discover more about what you can do to make your workplace interesting and inviting in "Hiring? What You Should Do Now to Attract the New Hires You Need".

Finally, as a business it is important for you to set yourself apart from your competition...and that is especially important for a Small Business!

To make your company shine, you need to not only show, but embody, what you can offer that makes your business a perfect place to work. 

You should emphasize how your company is different and what benefits working for a small business offers that a bigger company can't touch!

"By nature, a small business atmosphere is more hands-on and close knit. Employees have a much more tangible stake in the success of the company and often have a chance for greater input.  Even flexibility of work hours,  telecommuting, and promotions are often part of the small business culture", excerpt from "4 Reasons Why Job Seekers will want to Work for Your Small Business"!

It is this focus on employees and what they bring to our businesses and our country that is a direct result of the fight for improvements in working conditions. We have learned valuable lessons from the past. 
Those early crusaders showed us that we must recognize the daily contributions of our nation's workers. We need to treat them with dignity and honor. Without them, we would not succeed as a business or as a nation.

Happy Labor Day from Us at 
Access Profiles, Inc.!


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Contact Us for information on Background Investigations & Applicant Services and Security for your business.


API also offers Business Mentoring to help take your company to the next level. Check it out!

Source1: National Bureau of Economic Research 1990 Census 
Source2: "The Struggles of Labor"