November 2021 Summaries

A background check typically involves an investigation into a candidate's history based on criteria selected by the employer, which may include class-specific searches that disclose information specific to that category and carry its own criteria for validity. Background checks are often used during the recruiting process to confirm information regarding a candidate's application, but they can also be performed during an employee's tenure to confirm requirements continue to be met. The frequency of rescreening depends on various factors, including job duties, access to financial data, and changes in employment status. While there is no federal or state regulation requiring rescreening every two to five years, some industries may require more frequent checks due to the nature of the work. Continuous background checks, such as Continuous Crim and Continuous MVR, can provide real-time updates on a candidate's criminal records and motor vehicle records, allowing employers to make smarter hiring decisions and protect their brand reputation. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all candidates receive a fair opportunity at employment while maintaining the employer's responsibility for verifying information about new hires.

APIs are ubiquitous in the tech world, with ⅔ of developers embracing the API-first philosophy, up five points from last year, as they began to pop up in the early 2000s to connect applications. Companies are now moving towards becoming API-first, using APIs to leverage capabilities and build innovative products, offering faster go-to-market ability and a seamless user experience. By 2023, 65% of global infrastructure service providers' revenue will be generated through services enabled by APIs. API-first companies build solutions around the API, providing an industry-agnostic or specific solution that can scale quickly and efficiently. Companies like Stripe, Twilio, and Plaid have revolutionized their respective industries with API-first approaches, while others are catching up. To succeed, an API-first company must adopt a mindset that considers all potential uses of the API, launching industry-disrupting platforms by offering API solutions to other organizations, as seen in the example of Checkr's background check API solution.

Checkr, a technology company aiming to build a fairer future through its products and services, has launched its philanthropic group, Checkr.org. The organization's mission is to create opportunities for all by funding initiatives that promote fair chance hiring, which can help employers overcome barriers to diversity in the workplace. By providing education, best practices, and resources, Checkr.org aims to make the hiring process more inclusive, allowing a wider range of candidates to be considered for employment. The company has already seen significant benefits from its own fair chance talent programs, with workers having high retention rates and promotion rates. With the goal of expanding this initiative nationwide, Checkr.org will focus on San Francisco, Denver, and Orlando before scaling up across the country. The organization's efforts are led by Ken Oliver, a former inmate who has dedicated his life to fighting discrimination against those with criminal convictions, and aims to make meaningful change in the hiring process and beyond.

A background check API streamlines the process of initiating, receiving, and updating background checks by automating manual tasks and providing a seamless user experience. With an API, companies can initiate background checks with just two API calls, receive detailed reports with relevant information, and update report status in real-time, eliminating security risks associated with paper forms and manual intervention.

A volunteer ministry can be a powerful tool for fostering connections with the congregation and furthering a church's goals, but it requires careful vetting and interviewing of candidates to ensure they are reliable, dedicated, and a good fit for the community. Background checks can help identify potential issues, such as criminal history or falsified information, and inform questions asked during the interview process. Involving volunteers in planning fundraisers and events can help them feel more connected to the cause and invested in its success, while also providing opportunities for them to develop new skills and take on more responsibility. Having volunteers write church communication letters can foster a sense of community and connection with the congregation, while secure volunteer grants can provide additional funding for events and improvement projects at the church. Ultimately, the key to a successful volunteer ministry is to prioritize good listening, open-mindedness, and encouraging initiative and ownership among volunteers.