A long time ago the pre-hire screening process had the essence of Dick Tracey—private investigating companies doing background checks. Filing cabinets. Black-banded fedoras and khaki trench coats.

Times have changed.

Now the whole world lives online, and with that, so does most of their information. Doing a background check on a potential employee is simply as easy as pushing a button.

There are some items to pay attention to when doing background checks in the digital age. As states and cities continually update their processes in accordance with national EEOC and FCRA regulations, your company should too.

Automated Pre-Hire Background Checks

Many companies are turning to computer applications or “apps” to speed up and regulate their hiring processes. These programs are wonderful for increasing pre-hiring human resources efficiency. However, the chance for inaccurate data is possible.

To avoid errors, consider teaming up with an experienced background-checker who can double-check any tricky inconsistencies.

Social Media Analysis

This has become a tricky topic, mostly because some employers asked potential employees for passwords. Many states are working on passing laws to protect applicants’ privacy.

Honestly, the best site to check your applicant’s employment history and background is LinkedIn. LinkedIn hosts wonderful features including not just the applicant’s CV, but references from other coworkers and project examples as well.

Sites like Facebook and Twitter are for social use in many cases (unless an applicant has an online portfolio and utilizes these tools). Most applicants will keep them private (if smart).

State Laws and Credit Report Checks

Many states are passing laws to limit or prevent credit report checks for potential employers. A 2012 Society for Human Resources Management survey (SHRM) found that 13% of businesses check the credit score, and 47% order credit reporting when conducting background screening.

More than 31 cities and 6 states currently restrict the use of credit histories in background checks, and these numbers are scheduled to rise.

EEOC Scrutiny

We live in a society where privacy is becoming scarcer on a daily basis. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) job is to enforce rights and anti-discrimination laws for all workers. The EEOC is checking into companies that reject candidates based on criminal background checks.

The agency will continue to conduct public meetings to consider if pre-employment background checks constitute discrimination.

Keep these screening topics in mind, and call Clark Personnel Service if you have any candidate screening questions!

Just like when you’re dating, looking desperate isn’t going to get you anywhere in your job search. If you seem too anxious, employers will question your motives and you’ll lose credibility in an instant.

 What are two signs that you’re coming across the wrong way?

1. You’re Using the “Spray’n'Pray” Technique

If you’re sending out the same resume and cover letter to multiple positions a day, you’re going to look not only desperate but unprofessional and unqualified. A recruiter will disregard a resume from someone who #1, looks like they’ll take any job they can get their hands on and #2, doesn’t even bother to personalize his resume or cover letter for the job in question.

2. You’re Excusing Your Actions with “Someone told me to…”

For too long, the typical ‘expert’ advice was to call the recruiter and/or employer just to “check in” and make sure they read your resume— and put you at the top of the pile. In this day and age, this won’t make you stand out. If anything, you’ll just annoy the recruiter and probably guarantee your resume goes either to the bottom of the pile or in the trash can. A hiring manager wants enthusiasm from a new employee, but not desperation.

But Shouldn’t I Do Whatever It Takes To Get A New Job?

Of course you should try everything—within reason. You only get one chance with each company, and you want to make it count. Instead of applying, imagine being headhunted or even contacted directly by a hiring manager. This would put you in a much stronger bargaining position to leverage from, especially if get a job offer. Try to get yourself referred to a recruiter via somebody else. Or work on your personal branding, start getting active online, give talks in your field and raise your profile. Employers and recruiters will come after you, not the other way around.

How To Avoid Looking Desperate

Have high standards and only go after jobs that you really want. By only applying for the right roles for you, you’ll save your time and effort for the ones that really count. Furthermore, recruiters and employers will respect your integrity and remember you for the next opportunity they have that is more relevant to your preferences.

You want to turn the tables and be truly different than other jobseekers. You don’t want to be pushy. Just like in dating, the hard-to-gets get more offers and can pick and choose. Set standards for yourself, remember your dignity and make it work!