A Complete Guide to Global Background Checks: Why It Matters

The modern workforce is a varied mix of highly skilled individuals from all over the world. Hiring globally opens you a broader pool of bright individuals, but it also complicates the pre-employment screening process. To ensure you have a robust and trustworthy team, consider integrating global and domestic background checks.

Why Traditional Background Checks Are Not Enough

While domestic background checks are a crucial part of comprehensive pre-employment screening, they may not provide an accurate picture of overseas prospects. Consider this scenario: you locate a top candidate with a seemingly flawless cv - excellent experience, glowing references... but what if they had previously lived or worked abroad? A standard background check would not reveal information from such countries.

This is where global background checks come in. These rigorous checks extend beyond validating an applicant's local experience and qualifications. They go deeper, investigating global databases for criminal records, education verification, and even past employment experience across borders. This complete method provides you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're employing someone with the abilities and expertise they claim, as well as a clean record that corresponds with the values of your business.

What to Expect in an International Background Check

Core Checks

Most UK-based companies require the following from international candidates:

• Identity verification: This is the process of confirming that a candidate is who they claim to be.


• Employment Verification: Ensuring that previous employment history and references are accurate.


• Education verification: This entails validating stated degrees and certifications obtained overseas.


• Criminal Records Check: Identifies any criminal convictions that may not appear on a regular UK background check. (Results may differ depending on the target country's laws).

Specialised Checks

For specific sectors, such as finance, additional checks may be requested:

• Global Watchlist/ Sanctions Searches: Determine whether a candidate is on any international or domestic sanctions lists for terrorism, narcotics trafficking, fraud, or other severe offences.


• Credit checks: Credit checks are less prevalent, but they may be requested in rare cases.

How to Conduct a Global Background Check

When it comes to global background checks, you have two options: do it yourself or work with a professional agency. Let's look at the benefits and drawbacks of each strategy so you can make an informed decision.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY)

Pros:

Less upfront cost compared to a professional service.

Cons:

• Language Barriers and Translation Requirements: Communication issues and document translation can be major roadblocks.


• Limited Access in Certain Countries: Some countries have tight data privacy regulations or limited online record-keeping, making information difficult to get.


• Compliance Risks: Mistakes may violate data privacy rules, resulting in legal consequences.


• Candidate Mix-ups and Legal Differences: Different record-keeping methods and regulatory frameworks among countries can raise the possibility of errors and misinterpretations.


• Time Commitment and Incomplete Picture: DIY checks can be time-consuming and may not provide a complete picture of the applicant's background. This may subject your organisation to negligent hiring liability.

Partnering with a Reliable Global Background Screening Provider

Many businesses choose to deal with trustworthy background checkers like Complygate for their global screening requirements. Here’s why:

Pros:

• Expertise in Data Privacy Laws: They are well-versed in global data privacy regulations, assuring legal compliance in each search.


• Extensive Resources & Accurate Translations: Professional back ground check companies have extensive resources and can effectively interpret foreign language documents.


• Identity Verification & Faster Completion: They can validate a candidate's identification and speed up the search process as compared to DIY approaches.


• Guaranteed Compliance: Working with professional back ground check companies guarantee compliance to all applicable rules and regulations.

While the initial cost of a professional background checkers may appear exorbitant, the advantages outweigh the risks. Partnering with a reputable provider reduces the possibility of errors, streamlines the process, and assures you have a full report that allows you to make informed hiring decisions. This results into a stronger, more trustworthy team and a safer working environment for your company.

 

How Long does a Global Background Check Take to Complete

The turnaround time typically depends upon several factors, including the country in which you need to conduct the background check and how you do it. Here's an overview of what to expect:

Factors affecting completion time:

• Target Country: Data privacy policies and search difficulty differ significantly. Countries with stricter restrictions or limited electronic record-keeping may take longer, perhaps several months in some situations.


• DIY versus Professional Service: Doing the legwork oneself can be difficult and time consuming. Reputable global background check companies, like Complygate, have experience handling global searches and established channels, which can speed up the procedure.

Why is it Critical to Conduct Global Background Check

Here's why global background checks are crucial for building a strong and successful global team:

• Enhanced Workplace Safety and Security: International candidates may have lived or worked abroad, potentially leaving behind undiscovered red flags. Global background checks go deeper, investigating foreign databases for criminal records and previous employment history, assisting in identifying potential hazards and ensuring a safer work environment for everyone.


• Informed hiring decisions: Domestic background checks may not provide a complete picture when hiring someone with foreign experience. Global background checks bridge the gap by validating an applicant's qualifications, skills, and educational credentials across borders. This allows you to make confident, informed hiring decisions.


• Reduced Risk of Fraud: Fake degrees and exaggerated resumes are an increasing concern. Global background checks can help to reduce this risk by verifying an applicant's education and work experience. This guarantees that you hire people with the talents and expertise they claim, protecting your business from potential fraud.


• Reduced Liability concerns: Hiring someone with a problematic past might expose your business to legal and financial concerns. Global background checks help identify high-risk individuals early on, reducing potential liability issues in the future.

By investing in global background checks or employee checks, you acquire a thorough insight of your global applicants, allowing you to build a team with integrity and an appropriate skillset.

 

Best Practices for Conducting Global Employee Checks

Hiring overseas opens opportunities to a vast pool of talent, but managing the legalities and complexities of global background checks can be difficult. Here are some key best practices for ensuring a seamless and compliant process:

Transparency and consent

• Always notify candidates in writing that you intend to undertake a background check, both domestic and global.
• Obtain their signed consent before proceeding.
• Some countries may require country-specific consent forms, so plan to adapt accordingly.

Partnering with a Reputable Provider

Understanding various international laws and regulations is required when performing global background checks. Partnering with a trustworthy back ground check provider, such as Complygate, alleviates your workload.

Here's why professional services are essential:

• Expertise in International Regulations: They verify that your checks are compliant with local data privacy regulations, preventing legal difficulties.
• Streamlined Processes: Experienced providers can handle difficulties, saving you time and effort.

Contextualising Criminal Record

If a background check reveals a criminal history, do not make hasty conclusions. Examine the content thoroughly to determine its relevance to the job role. A small offence may not be disqualifying, however a significant crime directly related to employment obligations may raise concerns.

Adverse Action Compliance

If you decide not to hire an applicant based on the facts uncovered in the background check, you must follow "adverse action" procedures. These legal standards ensure fairness and transparency during the hiring process.

Don't leave your hiring decisions to chance. Complygate understands the complications of conducting global background checks. With broad resources and expertise of international data privacy laws, we can guide you through the procedure smoothly. Contact us today to learn more about our global background check services so you can confidently assemble your dream team.