Choosing a CRA |
Choosing A Consumer Reporting Agency
Most companies looking for a employment screening vendor, enter the process with little information on the criteria to expect from their new Consumer Reporting Agency. We hope that with the help from this guide, your vendor search will go much more smoothly, and you will avoid the surprises and pitfalls that come with evaluating any new product or service.
The following simple questionnaire will enable you to evaluate your prospective vendors' qualifications and ability to effectively meet your company's needs.
- Do you provide customer support free of charge? Will my company have access to qualified individuals for this help?
Any pre-employment screening vendor you select should offer free customer support during normal business hours.
- Am I required to sign any long-term commitment or agree to any minimum number of searches?
You should never have to commit to any minimum usage, and should be able to cancel at any time, free of charge.
- Is there a fee to sign up? If yes, are you able to waive that fee for me?
Many companies have a sign-up fee, but they should always be able to waive it upon request.
- Do you use databases to search for criminal records, or do you obtain the records directly from the courthouses and state repositories?
FCRA compliant companies should always obtain criminal records directly from the source: county courthouses or state repositories. Be especially wary of any company that offers a "Nationwide Criminal Search" as the United States does not have any federally organized criminal records available for this purpose. (There are nationwide searches available for Sex Offender records and Outstanding Warrants)
- Do you require a signed release form from my applicant? Do you provide this form, and if so, is there a charge?
Legitimate companies will always require a release (although you may not always be required to send them a copy). Additionally, they should provide one upon request, free of charge.
- Do you provide me with adverse action forms? If so, is there a charge for these forms?
Pre-employment screening companies should provide these forms to you free of charge, and should be willing to advise you of proper usage of these documents.
- Can I create search packages on my own? If so, can I change these packages as needed? Am I able to create multiple packages?
Since your needs may change, make sure you are able to customize each search that you run. Especially if you are screening for multiple positions which may have different requirements.
- Is your website secure? Do you have reasonable security measures in place?
Require at least 128-bit encryption. Since this is so important, your salesperson should know this information and have details readily available.
- Are there any fees if I don't use your service for any period of time, or discontinue my use altogether?
There should never be any cancellation fees, monthly fees, or recurring fees of any type. You should only pay for the searches that you run.
- Am I required to use or download any special software? If so, is there a fee for this software?
You shouldn't be required to use any special software, but if you are, it should at least be provided absolutely free (make sure it's not a hidden fee).
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