5 Things to Know If You Are Doing International Background Checks

In the past decade, an increasing number of U.S.-based companies have been recruiting candidates from overseas.

It’s important that employers seeking candidates from other countries remain as diligent with international background checks as ones conducted domestically.

While there are similarities between background checks conducted in the United States and internationally, there are a few key differentiators employers should know.

5 facts about international background checks

Some countries have a national database, while others have local sources, and still others might have both. Remember that every country is different, and every country requires different paperwork. For example, some countries require original copies of documents, which could extend the process.
In certain countries, employees are provided with a document from their previous employer that legitimizes employment, which could take a while to obtain from the applicant. Employers should prepare candidates ahead of time so that they can provide the appropriate documents — especially since international background checks can take months to complete.
It takes a significant amount of research by the background screening provider to determine if the process is being done correctly. For example, EmployeeScreenIQ conducts background checks in 200 different countries, and the process can differ in each country. We test our vendors to ensure the information we receive is accurate and complete.
It’s important to find out if your screening provider has Safe Harbor certification, which simply means that their practices are compliant with international protocols.
Overall, make sure your screening provider is able to explain the background check results and that you’re educated in the information you can and cannot use when making a hiring decision.

Due diligence important when screening anywhere

Bottom Line: For companies that recruit and hire overseas, due diligence is just as important, and employers are still as vulnerable as they are when hiring candidates overseas as they are in the U.S.

From candidate experience to performing resume verifications abroad to Safe Harbor certification, our video serves as a guide for employers that want to follow best practices related to international background checks.

This originally appeared on the EmployeeScreen IQ Blog.