When we think of artificial intelligence, some might imagine humanoid robots that will inevitably reach world domination. However, AI has entered our everyday lives in subtler, and less threatening ways. Personal assistants like Siri or Amazon’s Echo are only a couple of examples. Self-driving cars can be another one. Interestingly, though, there are different companies that are using artificial intelligence for background checks.
Different employers are hiring companies that offer software-as-service to improve the recruiting of new applicants. This, in turn, has brought a significant improvement to the hiring process, by using artificial intelligence for background checks seems to be an efficient, accurate, and reliable alternative.
Are Companies Really Using Artificial Intelligence for Background Checks?
Even when it sounds a bit too Big Brother, the answer is yes. According to CareerBuilder, 72 percent of employers perform a background check of some kind before hiring. They do this to avoid employing the wrong person, or to confirm that an applicant is who they say they are. However, the current way of background checking is usually done manually. This means that an employee has to look information available about a person and determine whether they can be eligible for a given position.
The fact that it is a time-consuming process, every time more and more employers are looking to hire companies using artificial intelligence for background checks. Those who do are seeing how AI has made the process more effective, accurate, and reliable. Thus, there seems to be a booming industry for startups to aim at.
What are the Benefits of AI-Based Background Checks?
Technology developments always come to help solve a problem. Artificial intelligence for background checks can solve many, many problems. To begin with, these systems and platforms can make background checks less time consuming, and more cost-effective. Learning machines and AI will have access to much more information in less time, so they can provide with more complete and accurate checks.
Another advantage of artificial intelligence for background checks is that it can analyze the information better. Traditional background checks done by humans leaves room for bias, whether we like it or not. The same doesn’t happen with AI.
Lastly, background checks performed by AI can remain relevant and updated for longer, with less effort. Information that companies get through traditional checks tends to start aging as soon as they obtain it. AI can keep updating the information as often as necessary, and with as many candidates, all at the same time.
What Does This Mean for Job Applicants?
To begin with, background checks are nothing new, so this only means that these checks will be more thorough than before. This means that employers will have more information and use it to determine job eligibility. You should keep in mind that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commision clearly states that no one can be denied a job position solely on their criminal record. The EEOC also urges employers to consider the nature and gravity of any offense, as well as the time since such was committed.
We should also keep in mind that, regardless of the results of a background check, employers are looking to hire the applicants that will bring more benefit to the company. So, we shouldn’t worry if we don’t have the cleanest report. Just be prepared to explain any negative result, and show that we can be a valuable asset to their company. After all, job interviews are difficult already, and an extra challenge might not make a huge difference.
