Choosing an employment screening provider is more than a pricing or convenience decision, it’s a matter of compliance, risk mitigation, and trust. Whether you’re starting a new partnership, navigating a merger, or reviewing vendor contracts, assuming your provider is compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) can be a costly mistake.

To protect your company, applicants, and brand, here’s a smart checklist of questions to ask before committing to any employment screening vendor.

Compliance Practices

How do you handle FCRA-required notices and adverse action steps?
What controls are in place to ensure compliance throughout the screening process?
Do you actively monitor changes to federal, state, and local employment laws?

A reputable vendor will provide a clear explanation of their FCRA process, including disclosures, authorizations, pre-adverse and adverse action notifications, and how those are managed consistently.

Data Security and Privacy

How do you protect applicant and employee information from unauthorized access?
Do you use encryption, secure portals, or other industry-standard data security protocols?
What is your process in the event of a data breach?

Because screening vendors handle sensitive personal data, robust cybersecurity protocols are essential.

Documentation and Forms

Are your FCRA-related documents, such as consent forms, regularly updated?
Can you provide proof of compliance with FCRA and related laws if needed?
Do you offer templates that can be customized to suit different jurisdictions or roles?

Outdated or poorly worded forms can invalidate the entire screening process. Your vendor should offer legally vetted, up-to-date forms.

Compliance History and Transparency

Have you ever been involved in an FCRA violation, lawsuit, or public compliance breach?
What measures have you taken to prevent future compliance failures?
Can you provide references or client testimonials regarding compliance performance?

Vetting your vendor’s history helps you avoid getting entangled in legal issues down the line.

Why It Matters

Conducting due diligence before selecting a screening partner isn’t just a best practice, it’s a necessity. Choosing the wrong vendor can lead to:

Legal exposure
Reputational damage
Missed hiring opportunities
Fines for non-compliance

The Bottom Line

The right background screening partner will prioritize legal compliance, data security, and transparency. Asking the right questions today helps you avoid costly missteps tomorrow.

If you’re evaluating your current vendor or need help navigating compliance, the Swailes Background Check team is here to help. Contact us to learn how we ensure FCRA compliance at every step and deliver screening solutions you can trust.

Need Help with Background Checks or Compliance?

Whether you’re hiring new talent or updating your screening processes, the Swailes Background Check team is here to help. From criminal background checks and FCRA compliance to drug testing, employment and education verifications, MVR reports, credit history reviews, and Social Security number validation, we provide fast enrollment and expert support every step of the way.

Contact us today to streamline your screening process with confidence.