Why screen potential candidates

September 2008 Security Services & Risk Management

EMPS, South Africa's oldest screening company and leader in Workforce Integrity Solutions, released its list of the top reasons why conducting employee background checks are essential.

The list details the reasons why companies in all industries and of all sizes need to make background checks a standard practice in their hiring process.

1. Pre-employment verification checks increase the quality of candidates employed.

It is sad, but a rather scary reality that many applicants are not honest on their CV or the company application form. Common un-truths include exaggerating experience and skills, fabricating educational qualifications, excluding negative information or changing dates. References provided are friends or previous colleagues, instead of previous management. By taking a little bit of time to do a complete CV verification, the employer can validate the accuracy of the information provided by the candidate. This process may include a variety of checks from pre-employment references to qualification verifications. These kinds of checks provide insight and knowledge not easily established in an interview.

2. Reduce time wasted in disciplinary and CCMA

Using an applicant's CV as the only means by which you make your hiring decision can lead to hiring an unsuitable or high risk candidate. Putting certain checks and balances in place will ensure you identify the most capable person and ultimately reduce turnover rates and discipline issues. By taking referencing back a little further, companies will be able to establish a pattern of unstable work history, if there is one.

3. Reduce losses caused by high-risk applicants

By investigating an applicant's criminal history, companies can identify those that are likely to engage in theft or dishonest acts, both of which are affecting the South African workplace in all industries.

4. Do not put the company reputation at risk

It is due diligence in today's hiring environment to have good hiring policies in place. Companies can become legally responsible for negligent hiring. Just an invalid driver's licence can lead to legal litigation, ruined reputation and extreme costs for a company.

5. Get better productivity from your workforce

By doing vigilant screening, potential candidates and employees can see the culture of the organisation. Current employees and clients can see the effort taken to employ quality staff. A satisfied and competent workforce creates a more stable and successful work environment.

Taking the time for due diligence in the beginning of the hiring process can save the company in time, risk and reputation as well as improve quality and output in the long term.

For more information contact Kirsten Halcrow, managing director, Employers' Mutual Protection Service, +27 (0)11 678 0807, kirstenh@emps.co.za, www.emps.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Three new portable power stations to ease load shedding
News Security Services & Risk Management Products
EcoFlow has launched three portable power stations that provide sufficient power for consumers wherever they are; the DELTA 2 and RIVER 2 Series are feature-filled power solutions to the volatile electricity supply.

Read more...
You cannot bribe a computer
Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management
Corruption is a cancer that destroys the prospects and stability of countries and businesses. It widens wealth gaps and punishes the poor. It costs countries many billions in lost revenue.

Read more...
How much protection does cyber insurance really give businesses?
Cyber Security Security Services & Risk Management
If organisations don’t meet even the minimum requirements of security and data protection, insurance will do them little good. Instead, it needs to be just one part of the digital resiliency toolbox.

Read more...
Off-grid power solution for residential estate
Editor's Choice Security Services & Risk Management Residential Estate (Industry) Products
Coral Beach Estate, an upmarket residential estate based in East London, has been struggling with load shedding and power outages due to South Africa's energy crisis, as well as the vandalism of its power infrastructure.

Read more...
SafeCity Guarding rolls out across 14 suburbs in Johannesburg
News Security Services & Risk Management
In a major drive to provide communities across Johannesburg with additional safety, Vumacam, in partnership with Fidelity ADT and other security providers across the region, rolled out the innovative SafeCity Guarding initiative in 14 suburbs.

Read more...
FleetDomain underpins Afrirent’s value proposition
Logistics (Industry) Security Services & Risk Management
Afrirent, a 100% female black-owned fleet management company, has been relying on FleetDomain software for a number of years to help it deliver outstanding service to a growing number of clients.

Read more...
Choosing an inferior lithium battery can be detrimental and unsafe
Uniross Batteries Security Services & Risk Management Products
South Africans looking to mitigate the impact of load shedding by installing a solar system for their home must do so through an accredited installer or electrician to avoid insurance claims being rejected.

Read more...
Employee screening, a hiring necessity or an invasion of privacy?
Security Services & Risk Management
There is a fine line between checking a potential employee’s qualifications and references, and investigating aspects of their lives that have nothing to do with their job application.

Read more...
Keeping students, staff and communities safe
Vumacam News CCTV, Surveillance & Remote Monitoring Security Services & Risk Management
South African schools are facing increasing security challenges, making effective surveillance systems more important than ever. To address this issue, Vumacam is offering advanced security solutions with security partners, aimed at keeping students, staff, and the community safe.

Read more...
Technology is key to securing physical and cybersecurity
Education (Industry) Security Services & Risk Management
The interpretation of security in educational institutions depends on whom you are talking to and whether their focus is on the physical security of the institution, its assets and its people, or its information and communication technology perspective.

Read more...