AI solutions for background screening: Revolutionising HR practices for reliable talent acquisition

AI integration enables HRs to onboard the right candidate that aligns with the company's values and objectives

Parul Parul     November 9, 2023

In the not-so-distant past, HR professionals were bombarded with stacks of paper resumes, countless hours of manual screening and arduous decision-making processes, all the while managing
administrative burdens and compliances with regulatory requirements. At the same time, manual
background screening processes were far from perfect, packed with inadequacies that kept the right candidates from getting the job or in some extreme cases could even lead to class-action lawsuits or workplace violence.

In order to mitigate the risks posed by traditional background verification systems and to streamline
the HR workflow, the HR industry needed AI-powered background screening capable of revolutionising the talent acquisition landscape.

The integration of an intuitive technology in this domain has opened new avenues for innovation and optimisation. This seismic shift, especially in the pivotal talent acquisition segment has ushered in an age of unprecedented efficiency, precision and strategic insights, extending to every inch of sound decision-making.

The new now of talent acquisition: AI unifying the background screening process

AI technology has revolutionised the background screening process by automating the analysis of
candidate profiles. In the fast-paced world of talent acquisition, the traditional approach to
background verification is not only time-consuming but is fraught with biases. AI algorithms are
designed to comprehend, interpret and extract the nuances of a candidate’s resume.

Commenting on the AI revolution in Background Screening systems, Piyush Peshwani, Co-
Founder and CEO of OnGrid said, “By bringing multiple verification processes under a single platform, Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers various benefits in background screening, including data digitisation, criminal record checks, employment verification, identity verification, continuous monitoring, fraud detection, and social media screening.” AI integration enables HRs to onboard the right candidate that aligns with the company’s values and objectives.

Reactive to proactive: Optimising HR practices with AI innovation in background verification

AI’s integration in Background Verification has made it possible to analyse chunks of data, learn from previous patterns and make predictions, transforming the HR recruitment process. Given the AI’s ability to provide accurate, comprehensive and rapid background verification results, he added, “AI enables working with unstructured data and identifying patterns, and thus streamlines the process, enhances accuracy, and helps organisations make informed hiring decisions while ensuring compliance with regulations.”

Machine Learning models are also trained to recognise patterns and discrepancies, making it easier
to detect inconsistencies and risks in candidates backgrounds. AI-power background verification
reports optimise the task of HR by providing personalised training and development programmes,
improving the employee experience and engagement, and enhancing skills growth. This targeted
approach helps HR in managing, retaining and empowering employees.

Fair chance hiring: AI algorithms embedded in the Background Check bolstering inclusivity
Beyond Efficiency, AI helps mitigate the unconscious bias that arises during background checks. Traditional background checks can inadvertently introduce bias into the system based on a person’s demographics, education or gender. AI powered background check systems hire candidates only on the basis of objective data and job related skills, eliminating any kind of subjective bias. Since AI algorithms are trained to focus solely on details, qualification and experience relevant to the role, it eliminates the occurrence of bias-inducing information like demographic background, religious beliefs, and many other prejudices.

With more companies being keen on onboarding global staff, it also implies welcoming people from diverse backgrounds and encouraging worldwide hiring, said Peshwani. Adding to the matter, he elaborated, “AI standardises evaluation assessment, offering an equal and fair chance to all by ensuring that every potential candidate is evaluated by the same standard, eliminating the possibility of fraudulent activities. By reducing bias AI embedded background check fosters diversity and facilitates the inclusion of a broader talent pool.”

Looking ahead: Crossing the horizon of human touch in search of talent

The effect of AI-driven background screening on Talent Acquisition has been nothing but a game-changer, emerging as a metamorphic force in the recruitment industry. AI and ML have helped deliver the most reliable and cutting-edge background screening service, helping HR professionals stay at the forefront of finding and selecting the top talent globally. Since hiring was and still is the most critical and nerve-wracking thing to do, AI- enabled Background Check brings companies closer to hiring the best, a win-win situation for both the employee and employer.