Showing posts with label hiring tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hiring tips. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Our Top Articles of 2022

Once again it is the time when we share our most popular articles from the past year! 

We love knowing which posts resonated with you, our readers, and which just didn’t catch on.

As in years past, our top blog posts centered around Your Job Search and the Employment Background Check, for both those looking for a job and those hiring!

Let’s get started…

Our first popular post centered on your resume and what information will help or hurt your job search.

The question is this…Will unpaid work experience cause a problem in the employer verification part of your background check?

"Unpaid, volunteer, or intern type positions are great additions to any resume ~ especially when they yielded skills or experience that can translate to your career! Including them will not cause any issues when it comes to the employment background check unless you try to pass them off as Paid Positions. That would send off a bright red flag! However, including them as unpaid references will help you as long as when contacted, they have something nice to say. That is why I recommend that you contact any reference long before you list them on your resume. Give them a “heads up” that they may be contacted and ask them if they are willing to give you a good reference. Even finding out in advance what information past employers will give to potential employers or screening companies is in your best interest. This way you will be prepared as to what an employment background check will find!”.

Instead of feeling angst when you apply for any job, your best bet is to be prepared. And it all starts with your resume!

Making sure your resume is completely truthful is the best start. The key is to make sure all your information is clear and accurate, and following these 6 tips will help!

  1. Make sure your resume is “clean”
  2. Make sure you never list a degree you haven’t earned
  3. Make sure all past employments are accurate
  4. Make sure you know what your past employers will say about you
  5. Make sure you can mitigate any employment “gaps”
  6. Make sure you have done a background check on yourself first

Check out more tips on how you can optimize your resume to help you get the job here!

Our next top article explored what past employers can really say about you during the background check.

Do you really know what a former employer will say about you?

"Employers can choose to reveal anything about you, your work performance, and even reason for leaving as long as it is the truth! However, that doesn’t mean that they will! 

Due to fear of litigation, many employers choose to only verify a former employee’s dates and title of employment. Some will also share whether that person is eligible for rehire. But what they will share is all dependent upon company policy and is not necessarily consistent company to company. 

However, a good background check professional will check and develop references to “fill in the gaps”. That means they will question not only the references listed by an applicant, but also ask those references for another source they could contact who has knowledge about the applicant’s work history and job performance. 

The best thing any job applicant can do is to know beforehand what a former employer will say about them and choose their references wisely. 

And both of these can be accomplished by doing a background check on themselves long before they ever apply for a job”.

So, what can you do to give yourself a heads up on what past employers will share?

Do a little research! Find out the laws in your state and locality governing employer background check guidelines, along with any state and locality where you may have worked!

But despite “best practices” and legal regulations, can you really be 100% sure that you know what a former employer will say about you? That is why your best course of action is to take the time to do a Background Check on yourself first!

Check out the entire article here to learn more about the steps you can take to not only know in advance what a former employer will reveal about you but to also choose the best references in the first place!

In “Can You Edit Your Background Check”, we delved into the question of whether there is any way to change what is found on your employment background check report.

Is it possible to “edit” or change your background check report?

“If you mean can you question or dispute any of the findings contained in a background check, then the answer is Yes. It doesn’t matter whether the investigating company is HireRight or another screening service, you have the right to dispute the findings contained in that check.

However, you cannot simply “edit” that report yourself. If you find that your background check report contains errors, you need to immediately inform the employer that the report has errors. In fact, it is your right to not only dispute the findings but have the chance prove the findings are false or provide information to mitigate them.

So, while you cannot simply “edit” a background check, you have every right to refute the findings and have the chance to prove they are in error”

Find out what you can do before you even apply for a job to make sure your background check will help you get hired, not hurt you by checking out the entire article!

Our next popular post centered on how your social media posts can impact your Job Search.

“Do you post on Social Media? Could what you post be considered “controversial”? Then you need to read this…

What you post online can effect you, your job, and even your family.

That is why you need to understand the potential ramifications of what you post online and learn what you can do to mitigate your exposure.

First you should recognize that nothing you share on Social Media is ever really private!

It is also important that you realize that what you post can impact your Job Search, future promotions, and even your educational goals.

Learn more about how your Social Media posts can impact your Job Search here!

Our final top article of the past year focused on Hiring in a Small Business and the importance of using employment background checks to protect you, your company, and your bottom line!

“It is not easy to find the right employee, especially for a Small Business!

Hiring someone with the right skills, experience, and “fit” is, of course, essential. They need to not only be able to do the job, but to do it well.

But finding that talented candidate is not enough. They also need to be a safe and reliable hire. One that will not jeopardize the safety of your company’s existing employees, your customers, or your assets. 

And the key to accomplishing this goal is by doing a sound Employment Background Check!

When you screen your potential new hires, you are not only making a cost-effective and sound business decision, you are protecting your business reputation. And here are 4 reasons why......

  1. Small Businesses have limited budget for hiring and training
  2. The more “intimate setting” of a Small Business requires safer hires
  3. Background Checks help Small Businesses avoid litigation
  4. Small Businesses rely heavily on their reputation

Discover more about how Employment Background checks will help your business hire safely and effectively and how to get the quality checks you need here!”

That rounds out our Top Blog Articles list for this year. We would like to take a moment and thank our readers. We appreciate you taking the time to check out what we have to say and welcome your comments and ideas. 

To that end, please share what topics you would like to see covered in this new year. Would would love to hear from you! And if you haven’t already, be sure to Follow our Blog so you don’t miss an article!


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Have questions about Background Checks, Hiring, or your Job Search? Please check out Our Services and learn more About Us!

Find out what Our Happy Clients have to say too!


Sunday, January 23, 2022

Our Most Popular Articles of 2021

 

Every year we take stock of the articles we posted. We take note of what topics resonated with our readers and which fell flat. We also discover trends and areas of interest that help us write articles for the upcoming year. 

This year is no different!

Here are our Top 5 most popular blog posts of 2021……..

Not surprisingly, our two most read articles centered on the effects of COVID and hiring.

In, “Can COVID delay your Background Checks?” we focused on the very real problem in getting timely background check results due to closures, limited working hours, and a reduced workforce.

“There is no doubt that the effects of the COVID pandemic have caused problems for businesses. It has impacted employees, customers, and a businesses bottom line. And one of these problems is potential delays to employment background checks".

Factors than can delay your background check due to the COVID pandemic include:

  • Court closures and limited court and records staff may delay receiving case records needed for criminal and civil reports
  • Limited Staff and Work from home employees can make it hard to reach anyone to verify the information you need  
  • Work from home employees may not have ready access to the files containing the information required 
  • Business you are trying to reach may be shut down or their hours limited

Learn more about the effects of COVID and other factors on your employment background checks here!

Our next popular article looked into why many companies are having a problem finding new hires. 

In “Need to Hire but ‘No one wants to Work'? The problem might not be what you think!”, we shared what employers need to focus on to attract the employees they need!

“If you find that your business is facing the "I need to hire but no one is applying" dilemma, instead of throwing in the towel, you need to do this instead ~ take a good hard look at what you and your business are offering!

Be honest with yourself……

  • Before the pandemic hit did you have a high employee turnover?
  • Despite your company earning increasing business profits, did your employees’ wages remain stagnant?
  • Did you ignore or refuse to offer incentives such as good benefits and perks to attract and retain good workers? 

If the answers to any of these questions is "yes", then the next question becomes….What can you do now?

This is the time to change your tactics, and that starts with doing the following….

  • Get the Word Out
  • Use the Employees you have to Recruit new ones
  • Offer bonuses, better pay and incentives

Check out the entire article to find out more!

Another article that clearly resonated, especially with employers, was “Learn how You can use your Existing Employees to help you Hire!”.

Employers are always looking for ways to attract applicants. However, one resource they often overlook is their current employees!

“Using your existing workforce as a resource simply makes good business sense. They are intimately aware of what is needed to do the jobs within your company and they also understand the inner workings of the team.

So how exactly can they help you find and train the new hire you need?

Here are some tips to help ~

Reach out to your employees, especially your best and brightest. Talk to them. Find out more about what skills and talents are needed to help your company grow and succeed. Learn where your workforce is lacking and where it needs help. Really listen to what they have to say. Their input will be invaluable not only in recruiting but when it comes time to make a job offer.

Ask them to refer other like-minded, smart and hard-working individuals to the business to supplement your recruiting efforts. Sometimes your current employees are your best resource for finding qualified candidates who can help improve your business”.

Read the entire article for more tips!

The following article was popular among Job Seekers! 

Do Companies contact Current Employers when doing a Background Check?” focused on the common fear that a current employer will find out they are looking for a new job!

“There is no doubt that job applicants have a valid concern when it comes to their current employer finding out they are looking elsewhere. The chance that their current job may be put in jeopardy, without another offer and acceptance in hand, is bound to cause angst. That is why it is so important to know the facts first”.

As a rule, companies do not contact current employers. They understand the very real problem that can create for their applicants. But past employers are another story!

That is why it is best to be prepared!

Check out our entire article here to find out what you need to know before you apply!

Both Employers and Job Seekers found our final top article on “Ageism” relevant, “Ageism in the Workplace ~ Discover why you need to Hire and Retain Older Workers”. 

“The fact is, rather than retire at age 65, more older Americans are remaining in or returning to the workforce. Some are continuing to work due to longer life expectancies, health expenses or financial insecurity. Others simply enjoy the social interaction and the fulfillment and sense of identity work provides. In order to succeed, it is vital that your workplace embrace them. Is your company ready?”.

It is important that your company show a strong dedication to hiring for qualifications and fitness for the job no matter the age, sex, race, religion, or sexual orientation of your applicants. 

You can accomplish this by:

  • Using age-inclusive language in your hiring and employment practices, including job postings.
  • Focusing on establishing benefits that take into consideration the wants and needs of your diverse workforce.
  • Creating a welcoming and innovative working environment that encourages collaboration.

Discover how eliminating Ageism in your workplace will encourage a variety of applicants and help your business by checking out the full article by clicking on the link above!

This rounds out our Top Blog Posts of 2021! For more articles focused on you and your Small Business, be sure to visit our site hereAnd if you have questions or topics you would like to see covered in the coming year, please Contact Us or comment on this article. We would love to hear from you!


Authored by 


We can help you hire right and grow your business. Visit our site to learn more about Our Services and About Us.

Find out what Our Happy Clients have to say too!

Sunday, October 17, 2021

Do You think Skipping the Background Check will help you Hire more Quickly? You should think again!

Companies are competing for New Hires!

Right now, the reality is that job seekers are in the driver’s seat. Many companies are in desperate need of employees to keep their business running, yet oftentimes very few applicants apply.

If you find that your business is facing the "I need to hire but no one is applying" dilemma, instead of throwing in the towel, you need to do this instead ~ take a good hard look at what you and your business are offering!

And it all starts with being honest with yourself about your business……

  • Before the pandemic hit did you have a high employee turnover?
  • Despite your company earning increasing business profits, did your employees’ wages remain stagnant?
  • Did you ignore or refuse to offer incentives such as good benefits and perks to attract and retain good workers? 

If the answers to any of these questions is yes, then the next question becomes….What can you do now?

Learn the steps you can take to find the hires you need here!

Once you have taken a good hard look at what you offer to potential employees, then you need to take the steps necessary to ensure your new hire will be an asset to your business.

The best place to begin is with the Employment Background Check!

While it might be tempting to skip or even rush, your employment background checks due to your need to hire now, that is never a wise course of action.

Screening potential employees is a vital tool in helping you hire safely and effectively. 

Knowing as much as you can about the person you hire into your company simply makes good business sense.

Understanding the skills they bring to the table, whether they are honest, and if they have a criminal record that could jeopardize your company, are all good reasons to screen before you hire.

Still on the fence about the importance of employment background checks? Consider this..... 

A good Employment Background Check will:

  1. Verify whether Your Applicant’s Resume is Truthful
  2. Help You keep a Safer Workplace
  3. Protect Your Company and its Assets
  4. Stay Compliant with Current Federal and State Employment Laws
  5. Protect Your Company from Potential Lawsuits

Learn more in “The Top 5 Reasons You should use Employment Background Checks".

When it comes to employment background checks, it is important that you never go in without a plan. And the Key to it all is to be Proactive, not Reactive, when it comes to hiring for your small business!

The best way to achieve this is to have a sound hiring process in place long before you need it.

When done right, this plan will give you a step by step guide to exactly what you need to do and when you need to do it. It will include the right time to hire, how to hire, and why a good background check is crucial to making a successful hire!

In “Why you need to be Proactive when it comes to Employment Background Checks”, you will learn not only “When” and “How” to hire for your Small Business, you will discover the importance of good job descriptions and choosing the right candidate in the first place!

“When” to Hire for Your Small Business

Understanding “When” to hire is the best place to start.

You should hire when…..your current workforce cannot meet demand, you need a new skill set to grow your company, and you can afford to hire!

Then it is important to outline the steps you will take to make that hire.

“How” to Hire for Your Small Business

When you have determined you are ready to hire, you should then take a look at “how” to hire. The best way to do this is to make sure you have good job descriptions firmly in place before you start your search for the best candidates.

Writing an effective and detailed job description is important. It not only helps you hire the best person for the job, it also protects your company legally.  

The right job description ensures that both your applicants and your existing employees understand what is expected of them. It will also help you, as a manager, to determine whether your employees are meeting the job’s expectations”.

In addition, Your Job Description will:

  • outline the duties and expectations of the position
  • determine your job training goals
  • help you evaluate your employee’s performance

Taking all these steps before you are in dire need of a new hire will set you up for success to the benefit of your company, clients, and existing workforce.

But if you really need to hire NOW, then be sure you make no final decision until you screen your top candidates. It is the absolute best way to get the information you need to make a good hiring decision and keep your business and employees safe in the process.

Contact API today to learn more about Background Checks and how they can help you hire right! And we will work with you to develop an effective plan that keeps in mind your needs and your budget.


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Discover more About Us and Our Services.

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Sunday, September 26, 2021

Ageism in the Workplace ~ Discover Why you need to Hire and Retain Older Workers

Is Your Company Ready to Embrace Older Workers?

Did You Know……

"According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 40 percent of people ages 55 and older were working or actively looking for work in 2014. That number, known as a labor force participation rate, is expected to increase fastest for the oldest segments of the population —most notably, people ages 65 to 74 —through 2024k with an 86% increase in workers  over 75 . In comparison, participation rates for most other age groups in the labor force aren’t projected to change much over 5% in the 2014–24 decade". Source1

What does this surge in older workers and job applicants mean for today’s workplace?

When it comes to hiring and the workplace, companies need to do what they can to be fair and equitable ~ not just in dealing with traditional “protected classes”, but also in how they handle older job applicants and employees once they are part of your workforce.

The question is ~ are your company’s hiring and employment practices up to the task?

Is “Ageism” the new Discrimination? “Tweet This”!

According to recent studies by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and many others, “Age discrimination is alive and well in the digital age, despite 50 years of laws intended to protect older Americans’ right to work. In fact, it’s thriving, with 20,857 such complaints filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2016 alone, AARP states on its website.

A recent study that looked at more than 40,000 job applicant profiles found statistical evidence of age discrimination in hiring—discrimination against both women and men. Older applicants—those 64 to 66 years of age—experience more age discrimination than middle-age applicants ages 49 to 51, while women—especially older women, even those of middle age—experience more age discrimination in hiring than men do, the study indicated.” Source2

Thanks to better healthcare and lifestyle changes, people are living longer than ever before. Many are more active and vital long past their 60s and they want to keep doing what they love ~ and for some, that means continuing to work, or even embarking on a new career!

But instead of being welcomed and encouraged, many are being faced with a subtle roadblock ~ their age is being held against them.

“A new data analysis by ProPublica and the Urban Institute shows more than half of older U.S. workers are pushed out of longtime jobs before they choose to retire, suffering financial damage that is often irreversible.” Source3

And Ageism is worse in some industries more than others.

Over 40% of Tech Workers worry about Ageism

“Not only do employees witness an imbalance in age representation, but it is also causing anxiety among some workers.

Our survey of tech workers found that close to half of respondents (43%) worry about losing their job because of their age. Even more troubling, nearly one 5th (18%) say they worry about it “all the time.”.

It’s there in the cliched but widespread perception that employees need to be young to have a good grasp of the latest technology. And it’s there in startup cultures that push for long hours and low pay, which are hardly friendly to older workers with families. And as firms battle to attract young talent with ever more extravagant perks, they can unintentionally create an environment and culture that excludes older workers".

The fact remains that “retirement” is no longer at 62 or even 65 for a variety of reasons.

Some may find that they simply can’t afford to retire. Lack of pensions, rising healthcare and insurance costs, and increasing taxes all can factor into this decision to keep working.

Others simply love what they do. Their career gives them personal satisfaction and speaks to their desire to stay relevant and productive.

Now it’s time to get employers on board.

Employers Lose when they won’t Hire Older Workers! “Tweet This”

While many companies have anti-discrimination policies in place that include age, it often becomes lost in the day to day. The time is now for employers to Practice what you Preach! 

Your actions, especially when it comes to hiring, must follow the guidelines both in your policy and those that exist within local, county, state, and federal laws.

It is important that you show a strong dedication to hiring for qualifications and fitness for the job no matter the age, sex, race, religion, or sexual orientation of your applicants. 

You can accomplish this by:

  • Using age-inclusive language in your hiring and employment practices, including job postings.
  • Focusing on establishing benefits that take into consideration the wants and needs of your diverse workforce.
  • Creating a welcoming and innovative working environment that encourages collaboration.

“In order to really succeed in creating an innovative and welcoming environment, you (companies) need a mixed workforce. Having both experienced and skilled employees at all levels is key.

Creating an atmosphere where each generation of employees can learn from the other is one that will thrive and prosper. This results in the best of both worlds ~ a marriage between the tried and true and the up and coming.

This type of culture embraces experience while recognizing the benefits of introducing new talent and ideas. It is also the perfect way of establishing a strong company succession plan ~ something that every successful company needs”; excerpt from “Hiring? What You Should Do Now to Attract the New Hires You Need!”.

Do so, and this is what you will gain ~ a diverse group of employees that provide much needed skills, knowledge, and experience to your workplace.

In addition, building a diverse workforce is an amazing way to attract and retain the best hires.

It creates an environment filled with varying ideas, skills, and experience. The key is to get your diverse employees working as a team and sharing their knowledge and skills to better themselves and your company.

A great way to start is to establish a strong Mentoring Program.

Mentoring allows employees of different ages and backgrounds a better chance to know and learn from each other.

“While some businesses already understand the benefits of a strong internal Mentoring program, not all are as yet so savvy".

Business owners would be wise to embrace the idea of Mentoring. It is a great way to “onboard” new hires, especially those who have recently graduated and interns just entering the workforce. It can also be valuable as a way to get existing employees ready for promotion.” 

Establishing mentoring relationships between diverse employees, and that includes different ages, helps spread your employees’ knowledge and skill pool throughout your workforce!

Learn more about the value of Mentoring in your workplace in “Are You Ready to be a Mentor?”.

The fact is, rather than retire at age 65, more older Americans are remaining in or returning to the workforce. Some are continuing to work due to longer life expectancies, health expenses or financial insecurity. Others simply enjoy the social interaction and the fulfillment and sense of identity work provides.

In order to succeed, it is vital that your workplace embrace them. Is your company ready?

Authored by     

API can help you hire safely and effectively. Contact Us Today to find out how!

Learn more About Us, Our Services, and what Our Happy Clients have to say!


Source 1* Older Workers: Labor Force Trends 

Source 2* Despite Laws intended to Prevent it, Age Discrimination ‘Alive and Well 

Source 3* If You're over 50, Chances are the decision to Leave a Job won't be Yours

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Learn How You can use Your Existing Employees to Help you Hire

Having the right employees is crucial to the success of your business.

They help keep your business running smoothly and your customers happy.

But did you know that they can also be an important tool when it comes time for you to hire?

Using your existing workforce as a resource simply makes good business sense. They are intimately aware of what is needed to do the jobs within your company and they also understand the inner workings of the team.

So how exactly can they help you find and train the new hire you need?

Here are some tips to help ~

  • Reach out to your employees, especially your best and brightest. Talk to them. Find out more about what skills and talents are needed to help your company grow and succeed. Learn where your workforce is lacking and where it needs help.
  • Really listen to what they have to say. Their input will be invaluable not only in recruiting but when it comes time to make a job offer.
  • Ask them to refer other like-minded, smart and hard-working individuals to the business to supplement your recruiting efforts. Sometimes your current employees are your best resource for finding qualified candidates who can help improve your business.


Employee Referrals

Does your company have an Employee Referral Program? If not, that is a change you should definitely consider making!

Employee Referral programs are good for your business and especially for finding great new hires. Your employees are intimately aware of the inner working of your company and your company’s needs. They also know the company culture and who will fit in and who will not. 

When it comes to getting the best referrals, start by asking your best and most skilled employees. Most likely they will have among their friends and acquaintances others who possess the same qualities that make these employees so valuable.

Getting referrals from your existing employees has multiple benefits. It is a great way to both reward your employees for their viable referrals and keep them happy with your new hires. And it will also help you find the right person for the job.

Discover more hiring tips in “Is it Time to Change your Hiring Practices”.

Engaged and Appreciated Employees are your best Company Ambassadors! “Tweet This”!

You should also encourage your employees to “talk up” your businessRecommend that they share information about their job and your company with their family, friends, and even acquaintances. Any time your employees are at social events it presents an opportunity. 

This doesn’t mean you want them sharing false praises or that you expect them to endlessly talk about their jobs. It simply means that if your employees are happy then they will want to help spread the word!

Another way your employees can help you hire is to regularly engage with your brand on social media.

Encourage them to:

  • Like and Follow your social accounts, including your blog.
  • Ask others in their circle to also Like and Follow your accounts
  • Like, Share, Retweet, and Comment on your company posts
  • Post reviews and comments on your social sites

If you have a blog, you may even consider asking your employees to write a guest post. It can be on anything from their job, a company event, or even an upcoming product or service release. The key is for them to be a part of creating content and to provide them the pride of authorship. You may also consider a regular series of articles that highlight your staff.

No matter what you choose, including your employees on your company blog and encouraging them to engage with your company social media simply increases your reach and online visibility ~ all which can make your business attractive to potential new hires.

But before you expect your employees to help you advertise your company and find new hires, you need to take a good look at how they truly feel about you and your company. How effective and interested your employees are in helping you find quality hires all hinges on how you treat them in the first place!

That is why it is so important that your first goal should be on training, encouraging, and retaining your best existing employees.

5 Retention Tips for Keeping Top Talent

Help Your New Employee Define and Reach Their GoalsHelp them to identify where they want to go and what steps are necessary to get them there. Just determining their goals is not enough. You need to provide them with a realistic set of steps to help them achieve those goals. The best employees are never satisfied. This is what makes them high achievers.

Create an Environment that Encourages SuccessMake sure your company is a place that helps them reach their goals or is a significant stop along the way. Be the place where they are able to achieve a major milestone in their career. Be the company that discovered their talents and nurtured those talents.  This will bring success to them and to your company.

Enable Your Employees to Develop New and Marketable Skills ~ Encourage your team to share their own abilities and allow them to learn from each other. This helps you create well-rounded and skilled employees. It also promotes a greater sense of “team” and a more productive work environment.  Also provide opportunities to attend interesting and informative workshops and conferences. The chance to absorb industry knowledge and network is invaluable.

Set Specific GoalsLay out an action plan with a specific time frame for completion. Provide them with all the resources necessary to achieve those action plan goals. Make sure you evaluate their progress and increase their responsibility upon successful completion. Your performance reviews should provide REAL FEEDBACK. Discuss where they are, where they need to head, and how they can get there. This keeps your workforce constantly improving and growing.

Provide Real Opportunity to AdvanceGive your employees the chance to EARN high level duties and even allow them to outgrow your company if necessary! Your valuable employees need to know you promote from within.  They need to feel they have a real future at your company.  However, if they have truly achieved their highest potential with you, provide them with the positive, helpful references they have earned and deserve. Remember, it is good to “Pay it Forward!”.

Find more tips on employee retention here!

It is also important that your employees are engaged and invested in your business. Make sure you really listen to their suggestions, problems, and concerns. Create an open line of communication where they feel comfortable approaching you and their opinion is valued.

Hold open brainstorming sessions to deal with, or even better, to prevent problems. Ask them for ideas and listen without judgment, while honing in on and fine tuning their best suggestions. Then it is important that you act on them. This will help your employees feel valued, appreciated, and truly part of a team.

The bottom line is this ~ if you’re going to depend on your employees to help you find and retain good hires, then they have to be invested in your company. And if you treat them well they will be happy to help your business thrive.


Authored by  


Discover how API can help your business Hire Safely and Effectively. Visit our Services and Contact Us pages to find out more.


Learn more About Us and what our Happy Clients have to say too.

Sunday, June 20, 2021

What is “Provisional” Employment and how can You use it in your Small Business?

Have you ever hired an employee on a “conditional” basis? Do you even know what that means? 

Here we will try to shed some light on hiring a “provisional” or “conditional” employee and how it can make sense for your business!

Provisional employment, or “conditional employment”, is when a new employee is offered a job contingent upon the successful completion of certain pre-determined criteria.

That criteria may include things like finalizing a degree or training, taking an entrance exam, or, most commonly, and the one we will focus on here, passing an employment background check.

The whole concept of “provisional” or conditional employment can be confusing.

In the United States, most workers are employed “at will”. Although this can vary by state, in general this means that employees can be fired for any reason. The exception is if the termination violates federal or state anti-discrimination laws. 

The same principle applies to job offers. Because of this, employers are free to expect prospective employees, or those given a conditional offer of employment, to fulfill certain requests, such as to pass background checks, undergo drug screenings, or any other requirements in order to get the job.

In order to decide if offering conditional employment would work for your business, it is important that you understand what hiring an employee on this basis really means.

First and foremost, hiring someone on a provisional basis means you really want them for the job. The candidate has the qualifications and skills you need and has impressed during their interview(s).

So, you may ask, why not simply hire them permanently right now?

The reality it that it may be best to wait on making that final job offer and hire them conditionally instead. Conditional offers of employment can actually work for your business. They allow you to hire quickly when needed, such as when you have a sudden influx of work, someone unexpectedly leaves, or you need a seasonal hire, all without waiting for the finalized background check.

Conditional job offers can also be beneficial to your applicants. It shows that you value what the skills they have to offer, gives them a measure of security to know that you want to hire them, and can even give them an edge when negotiating with other potential employers.

However, not all job candidates my look on a conditional offer as favorably. They might not agree with the conditions you have set or be unable to meet them. But, most often, a provisional offer simply does not give them the same sense of security as an “unconditional” job offer would.

When it comes to making conditional job offers it is important to do it right! "Tweet This"

It is critical that you are honest and concise as to what that conditional offer means and the criteria that you are expecting to be met. The clearer you are the more positive this experience will be for both you and the potential employee.

The first step is to make sure you craft the clearest provisional offer letter you can. And you need to make sure that this offer follows all the best practices when it comes to the background check!

Before sending your conditional offer letter or, ideally before you ever even decide to hire, you should make sure that your hiring practices are not violating EEOC guidelines, especially those concerning background check releases and disclosure forms.

Begin by ensuring that you are not guilty of committing these 4 Common Background Check Release Violations:

  • You (the Employer) don't Disclose that a Background Check will be Obtained
  • You don't obtain a Signed Authorization from your Applicants
  • Your Authorization Form is Not a Stand-Alone Document
  • Your Authorization Form includes a Release from Liability

Find out more about the steps you need to take in order to screen your employees in “Tips to Help Your Business fly under the EEOC Radar”!

When you are ready to make an offer of conditional employment, and all your best practices are in place, then your offer letter should do the following:

  • make it clear the applicant is being hired as a provisional / conditional employee
  • list exactly what criteria is expected to be satisfactorily completed ~ such as the employment background check, passing a drug test, or anything else required of new employees
  • state a definite start date and the time when it is expected that the criteria required will be completed
  • state that permanent employment will follow completion of the conditions, or seasonal employment if that is the original goal

The key to it all is clear and honest communication, and it all starts with you ~ the Employer!

The whole idea of a background check can be daunting for many ~ even if they have absolutely nothing to hide. That is why you need to be completely upfront, open, and honest with your applicant. 

Make sure you are completely clear about the following:

  • What You will Check
  • What You are looking for in the background check 
  • What Factors can Cause Delays in the Background Check 
  • What Errors can be encountered during the entire process 
  • What Rights are afforded to Your Applicant

All candidates who are undergoing an employment background check have rights. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) dictates that employers must inform candidates in writing and get their written consent before conducting a credit check. In the event that the offer is revoked based on information discovered during the check, the FCRA requires employers to notify candidates and provide them with information on how to dispute the report

Learn more in “Ready to Hire? What your Applicant needs to know”!

As an employer, the tone you set from the beginning can have a lasting impact on the relationship you will have with your new employee. Being honest, responsive to questions, and keeping them apprised of their status, will go a long way towards making sure you leave your applicant with a good impression of you and your company.

And this is possible even when making a “provisional” hire!

Using conditional offers of employment can be good for your business. They can help you hire the talent you need without skipping any of the steps necessary to make sure they are a smart hire. 

Do you still have questions about Provisional Employment and Safe Hiring? We can help you navigate the world of employment background checks while keeping your bottom line firmly in mind.

Contact Us Today!


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Sunday, May 23, 2021

Need to Hire but "No one wants to Work"? The problem might not be what you think!

Need to Hire but it seems like “No one Wants to Work”? The problem might not be what you think!

Many businesses are in the same boat. They are trying to re-start their business after the pandemic closures and restrictions…and that often means hiring employees to help. But now they are facing a new problem they can’t find the workers they need because no one is applying!

The question then becomes Why?

Many believe that “no one needs to work because of all the government ‘handouts’ and increased employment benefits” and “since they removed the requirement that you have to look for work to receive those benefits, why work?”.  But the most common is that no one is applying for all the jobs out there because they are simply lazy. 

And while there will always be people who fit those descriptions…the truth is that the real answer may not be due to any of those things!

If you find that your business is facing the "I need to hire but no one is applying" dilemma, instead of throwing in the towel, you need to do this instead ~ take a good hard look at what you and your business are offering!

Be honest with yourself……

  • Before the pandemic hit did you have a high employee turnover?
  • Despite your company earning increasing business profits, did your employees’ wages remain stagnant?
  • Did you ignore or refuse to offer incentives such as good benefits and perks to attract and retain good workers? 

If the answers to any of these questions is yes, then the next question becomes….What can you do now?

This is the time to change your tactics, and that starts with doing the following….

Get the word out ~ Post your job opening on social media sites, jobs groups, and in newspapers. Even check out local trade schools, high schools, and community colleges. The more people that know you are hiring, the better.

Use the employees you do have to recruit new ones ~ Ask them to look at their family, friends, and social connections for potential new hires. Long-term employees know the ins and outs of your workplace. They know who will “fit”, what kind of skills you need, and the type of person who will be an asset. It simply makes good business sense to use them as a resource.

No one is applying for your job openings? Do this now! "Tweet this"

Offer sign on bonuses, better pay, perks, time off, and other incentivesAccording to a recent article from CBSLocal, “Over and over again companies just don’t recognize and value their employees and they underpay, not recognizing the cost of not having well trained and well knowledgeable employees. And high turnover is an expense too,” said Point Park Professor Elaine Luther. With the bounce back in business, Luther said people are looking for a job where they feel safe, valued and can make a livable wage”.

Take a look at your finances and resources and offer whatever you can. Get creative. And remember, it is not always about the money. 

"While it is true that some small companies may not be able to offer the salary associated with working for big business, they can offer many other things that will create a valuable working experience.   

Working for a Small Business can offer you (job seekers) something different. 

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.

The success of a small company relies on flexibility. They depend upon being able to adapt quickly to changing external and internal forces. And their employees can learn a lot from this ever-changing environment. 

Small business employees have the opportunity to learn many roles. Strict adherence to job titles and work responsibilities is not often practical for companies with fewer employees. This allows for more job responsibilities and the chance to really make a difference ~ all of which is a great resume and career builder.

The collaborative and nurturing characteristics of small business are also a plus for employees. It is a chance to really get their voice heard and to get their ideas implemented much sooner and more often than will occur in a larger company. And as small businesses slowly start recovering from the effects of the pandemic and are once again hiring to bolster their workforce, it is more important than ever to keep them on your job search radar.

Learn more about attracting job seekers to your small business here!

Most importantly, take a look at yourself and your management staff ~ do you set the tone and atmosphere that makes your employees want to work for you and achieve?

  • Is your “management style” one that treats people with respect? 
  • Do you reward hard work? 
  • Do you welcome ideas and input from your employees? 
  • Is your company a place where employees not only achieve company goals but their own goals as well?

Creating an atmosphere where your employees feel valued is key. And it will make your company much more attractive to job seekers as well!

Being critical in assessing how your business looks to potential employees will go a long way towards getting the quality new hires you need. Simply put ~ Make your business a place people want to work. 

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Sunday, April 25, 2021

Need a Background Check? Find out when and how to choose the right company for you!

 When is the best time to choose your Background Check company? 

The short answer is this ~ long before you are ready to hire! And here is why….

Imagine this, you are ready to make a new hire for your Small Business. You tell your network, place ads ~ all the things you hope will land you the perfect applicant.

You contact a few hopefuls to come in for an interview and find three possible candidates. But before making your new hire, you decide it might be wise to run a background check first.   

You make a few calls, or check online, and find a company you think will get you the information you need.  

What could be better? But instead of being a good way to hire for your business, this is actually a perfect example of what NOT to do!

Our advice? The best time to contact us, or any screening company, is long BEFORE you ever need to hire!

Many companies get this backwards. They realize they need to hire, then scramble to find someone to help them screen their applicants ~ or worse, forgo the background check all together.

Meeting with potential background check companies before hand, and choosing the one best for you, will make your hiring process much smoother and more successful!

A good background check company will help you put in place all the steps you need to follow well in advance. This may start with the job descriptions for each position within your company (this is something that we have helped clients with in the past), and should also include advising you on your  employment applications.  

They will also make sure your release forms are compliant, or supply you with one of their own, along with explaining employee rights when it comes to background checks, adverse action letters, etc.

Connecting with your background check company early also gives you ample time to ask any questions you may have about the employment screening process. There should never be any confusion about how and why you are using background checks in your hiring practices.

Going the extra mile to make sure you are completely comfortable with the entire process is the goal of every good screening service ~ and this is especially important to Small Business.

With limited budgets and the settings that often result in close contact among employees and customers, hiring safely is more important than ever. 

Read “4 Reasons Why Small Businesses Need to Use Background Checks” to find out more!

No matter whether you are ready to make your first hire, or your 20th, preparing early  for what you need to do and when makes sense. And the best way to accomplish this? Partner with the right background check company first!

After all, going into anything blindly is rarely the best course of action ~ and making your new hire is no exception!

Choose a Background Check company that will work WITH you, not just FOR you! "Tweet This"

Want to know how to choose the best background check company for you and your business? The key is to find one that will work with you every step of the way!

You should understand first and foremost that not all Background Check Companies are created equal. And many small business owners are confused or fearful of choosing the wrong one. But it is possible to find one that is a perfect fit for you and your small business. 

You should choose a company that:

  • focuses on your needs
  • uses direct sources for their information
  • is willing to take the time necessary to do their job right
  • understands compliance issues
  • does not promise prices that are “too good to be true”

Learn more about choosing the best background check company for you here!

Outsourcing your employment background checks is simply good business. It will give you access to their knowledge and experience, keep you updated on compliance issues, will help you keep your candidate and employee information confidential and protected, act as a barrier against discrimination claims, and, most importantly, save you time, money, and resources.

Learn more in “5 Smart Reasons to Outsource your Background Checks”!

No matter which screening company you choose, it is always best to do some research long before you really need their services. Having one in place before looking for your new hire will give you time to integrate the background check into your hiring process and be prepared to move quickly when a candidate looks promising. And that is good for both you and your potential new hire!

Still have questions? Contact Us Today! We can give you the information you need and help you hire safely and effectively for your Small Business.


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