The stakes in talent intelligence are high. Failing to conduct thorough background checks on a...
Though they've been a part of hiring processes for years, background checks continue to be a crucial component of hiring processes across industries.
The delivery of background checks has evolved from pen and paper to intuitive platforms, each offering a myriad of options that promise to be the most accurate, reliable, and efficient.
Rather than leaving you to do the research, this guide aims to answer your questions about the best background check services and companies in 2024.
Table of Contents
Here's a 2024 roundup of the best background check services for employers.
What Is Included In A Background Check?
Background checks typically cover standard information such as personal data, i.e., birth dates, criminal records, employment history, education verification, among others.
A thorough one, however, goes above and beyond in terms of services and reports they offer. Some include credit history and reference checks, while others span hundreds of countries and territories. Some even offer facial recognition and biometrics, which is great for a global and remote workforce. Different companies may vary in terms of what's included in their services and reports, but these are at least some of the key components covered.
Background check services and companies provide essential information for employers that inform hiring decisions. They must comply with federal and state laws regarding data protection and privacy.
While many provide up-to-date and accurate information, some unfortunately don't — reputation and customer reviews are key in selecting the perfect match for your needs.
Choosing A Background Check Service/Company
Selecting the right background check service or company can make or break your talent acquisition and the company's reputation. Here are the three biggest considerations when choosing the right one for your team:
Accuracy
The company should have a strong reputation for delivering precise and up-to-date information. Any inaccuracies can lead to unfair bias, compliance issues, or legal complications.
Compliance
Background check companies must adhere to all local, state, and federal laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Avoid companies that are not FCRA-compliant, as they may provide information that goes above the law.
Speed and Ease of Use
Time is often of the essence when conducting background checks. The best services provide quick results. They have a user-friendly platform and intuitive interface that make it easy to request checks, review findings, and understand the implications of the information provided.
Also, choose the one that's easy to use from the candidate side and provides a seamless experience for the talent.
1. Cisive
Rating: 4.6/5.0 (G2)
Key Features:
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- PBSA accredited
- Proprietary HCM technology
- Unique candidate portals
Cisive offers the most accurate background screening solutions in the market today. Our proprietary, platform-neutral, and mobile-enabled HCM technology streamlines the applicant and candidate experience. Matched with our account-dedicated customer support teams, the value you'll receive is unmatched.
Supported by a rule-based workflow engine, Cisive showcases the most up-to-date compliance forms and releases tailored to our client's needs — giving you peace of mind regarding compliance.
If you need a trusted executive intelligence solution, you'll be in good and able hands. Our team of criminologists and law enforcement, legal, and compliance experts will vet your high-caliber job candidates.
2. First Advantage
Rating: 3.7/5.0 (G2)
Key Features:
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- ATS integrations
- Mobile-oriented systems
- Hiring manager dashboards
First Advantage delivers comprehensive background check and drug screening solutions—designed for managerial and executive-level positions. Its global footprint and presence in 200+ countries and territories offers an advantage for companies who regularly require international background checks.
The platform is also open to small businesses, providing the option for all business to choose which screening services they'd like to utilize. On top of the assortment of features available, existing users appreciate the custom support team's dedication to solving problems, however, many don't like having to be bounced around when calling for assistance.
3. GoodHire
Rating: 4.6/5.0 (G2)
Key Features:
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- Record filtering
- Automated adjudication
- Government agency approved screenings
GoodHire, a Checkr company, delivers abnormally fast results that can leave new users feeling skeptical about their validity. For companies who need less than 10 background checks per year, the platform offers the ability pay-per-check, rather than commit to a monthly subscription they won't utilize. With integrations available with various HRIS and ATS like BambooHR and Greenhouse, hiring processes are seamlessly added into workflows.
GoodHire's results are noted as being easy to compile and interpret, making the process easier on hiring managers.
While the initial service was praised by most users, since the purchase of GoodHire by Checkr, users note that the service has become increasingly expensive without the additional value you would expect to accompany.
4. Certn
Rating: 4.8/5.0 (G2)
Key Features:
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- External ATS integrations
- In-app candidate messaging
- Clear and concise reports
Getting started with Certn is incredibly fast and easy, which you would expect from a service positioning itself as the "world's easiest background check".
Users of the platform note that completing tasks on the candidate's end is easy — providing clear instructions for completing the steps of obtaining a background check. However, users note that there is confusion in determine if processes are complete within the system, which leads to unexpected delays and bottlenecks.
Hiring managers also credit the platform as being fast, however, they do note a lack on depth in the reports that are providing, wishing there was additional context provided specifically surrounding criminal records.
5. Checkr
Rating: 4.5/5.0 (G2)
Key Features:
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- Mobile candidate portal
- Fast turn-around times
- Adjudication tools across job roles
Checkr is one of the only background screening solutions that leverages AI to run background checks and achieve a new level of speed and accuracy. Checkr users appreciate the platform for being mobile-friendly and intuitive, diminishing the learning curve for first time users.
While the platform itself is noted as being intuitive, some users report being unaware of all of the offerings available to them.
6. Sterling
Rating: 3.2/5.0 (G2)
Key Features:
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- Mobile candidate portal
- Client management and Reporting dashboards
- Flexible pricing
Sterling helps companies make faster, safer hiring decisions through a variety of services that encompass various phases of the hiring process. From pre-employment screenings and drug testing to I-9 verification and social media monitoring, the platform helps employers identify potential liabilities in candidates before it can impact their company.
Though their accuracy results have increased, it is worth noting Sterling has faced lawsuits in the past for inaccurate background check results.
7. HireRight
Rating: 3.3/5.0 (G2)
Key Features:
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- Real-time tracking
- Third-party integrations
- Customizable candidate notice messages
HireRight provides global backgrounds across a variety of industries. Offering 99.98% dispute-free reports, HireRight and is known for being able to more frequently identify criminal activity. HireRight provides both hiring managers and candidates insight into the candidate's status, updating their status throughout the process.
While their accuracy ratings are currently high, the company was sued by the FTC in 2012 for not taking reasonable action to ensure accurate and current updates.
8. Accurate
Rating: 3.9/5.0 (G2)
Key Features:
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- Mobile candidate portal
- Easy bulk report ordering
- API connections to third party applications
Accurate allows users to customize packages specific to their needs — for regular checks and DOT options. The platform serves businesses of all sizes, providing package options based on size, offering the ability to choose between preselected feature packages or the ability to build your own.
The platform is praised for being easy to place bulk report orders, which can be of great value to hiring managers, though some users note that Accurate can take some time to learn and set up.
9. Intelius
Rating: 5.0/5.0 (G2)
Key Features:
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- Pricing that includes unlimited searches
- Instant results
Intelius provides various background check options, including criminal records search, education verification, employment history verification, professional license verification, and reference checks. This platform is used more by individuals than companies, and would serve a small start up well.
The platform provides insights into education and employment history, criminal record, and financial litigation such as bankruptcies.
While the platform accomplishes the goals it offers, businesses who have more than 10 employees may struggle with its limited offerings.
10. VICTIG
Rating: 4.7/5.0 (G2)
Key Features:
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- Centralized dashboard for checking results
- Real-time tracking
- Self-monitoring and notifications
VICTIG's "all hands on-deck" approach gives customers the support and reassurance that they're in good hands. With a variety of service offerings ranging from criminal background check to MVR checks, and a 96% satisfaction rating from current users, VICTIG's offerings help paint a whole picture of the candidate in question.
Though the platform is easy to use and offers a variety of helpful features, hiring managers express frustration at the lack of control they have in the process. An example is the inability to submit a signed request without the candidate.
Discover How Cisive Can Supercharge Your Talent Acquisition
Our goal at Cisive is to provide you accurate and comprehensive background checks that support you in making the best decisions in your hiring. We believe in supporting both the hiring team and candidates, offering unmatched customer support at both levels.
To truly demonstrate our partnership with you, we provide regular customer trainings that will help keep you abreast of changes in regulation, compliance, and industry standards.
Our team is ready to talk with you about how Cisive can best meet and boost your talent acquisition needs. Contact one of our experts and learn how Cisive can be support you!
