How does BackgroundChecks.com verify employment and avoid unnecessary validation fees?
BackgroundChecks.com follows a structured and efficient process to verify employment while aiming to minimize costs for applicants. This article outlines the step-by-step verification methods, the cost implications of each option, and the protocols involved in contacting employers directly.
Overview of the Employment Verification Process
BackgroundChecks.com uses a progressive approach to verify employment, prioritizing methods that are fast and cost-effective. The main methods include:
Payroll information for instant verification
Applicant-provided pay stubs
The Work Number (TWN) database
Direct employer contact
Step-by-Step Verification Process
Payroll Information Verification - Applicants are first asked to provide payroll information during the application process.- This method is preferred because it is faster and has no associated additional costs.
Pay Stub Submission - If payroll information is not available, applicants can upload pay stubs before they submit the application. Pay stubs are encouraged, but applicants can also enter employment details manually.- Note that pay stubs can't be added after the application is submitted.
The Work Number Database Check - If neither payroll information nor pay stubs are provided, BackgroundChecks.com resorts to The Work Number (TWN), a database managed by Equifax, to verify employment using the applicant’s name and Social Security Number (SSN).- While TWN offers access to employment details from millions of employers, there is no guarantee of positive verification, and accessing this database may result in additional fees from Equifax.
Direct Employer Contact - If employment cannot be verified through TWN, BackgroundChecks.com attempts to contact the employer directly. The outreach team conducts follow-ups to verify receipt of notifications, confirm
contact information, and determine completion timelines. Follow-ups occur during employer business hours (Monday-Friday, excluding holidays) with a minimum of one (1) attempt per business day and a maximum of five (5) attempts. The most appropriate contact information for the employer. Employment verification turnaround averages 1-3 business days. When we contact the employer directly, the turnaround time depends on how quickly the employer responds to verification requests, if at all. If we cannot make contact with the employer within the attempt window, we report "Unable to Verify".
Cost Implications of Method Choices
Payroll and Pay Stub Verification: These methods are free of extra charges and highly recommended due to their speed and cost-effectiveness.
The Work Number Database: - Equifax charges a fee when TWN returns records, even if they don't match the employer the applicant listed. There is no fee when TWN finds no records or another method verifies employment.- It is important to understand this potential cost before relying on this as the default method.
Key Recommendations
Applicants are encouraged to provide payroll information or upload pay stubs during the submission process to avoid higher fees and ensure faster verification.
Avoid skipping these steps to reduce dependency on costly database checks or direct employer contacts.
Related Topics
For more information about employment verification processes and associated costs, consult BackgroundChecks.com’s additional resources on fees and document requirements.By following this progressive and structured verification process, BackgroundChecks.com ensures reliable employment verification while reducing unnecessary expenses for applicants and employers.