Illinois Background Checks

Illinois employers have access to a diverse and highly skilled workforce. But to fully take advantage of that talent, you need to know you’re finding candidates you can trust.

Illinois background checks help businesses assess candidates more quickly, spot potential concerns, and help keep your teams safe – and we’re here to help you do that.

At Accurate, we go beyond a basic public records search or reference check. We can confirm an individual’s identity, review criminal history, confirm degrees and professional licenses, and contact previous employers to give you a thorough view of each candidate.

We combine mobile-first technology and 24/7/363 candidate support with industry-leading turnaround times and accuracy rates so you can get your hires on the job more quickly, without sacrificing speed or accuracy.

Illinois background checks can be tailored to your specific business needs, as well as industry rules and regulations and legal requirements. Whether you’re in healthcare, education, transportation, or corporate leadership, we’ll help you tailor the screening process to include only the components most relevant to your organization’s needs, as well as industry standards and individual positions.

Every screening is different, but they often include some of the following components:

• AccurateReach, a tips and leads search that includes a nationwide database search to help uncover criminal records beyond those found through a candidate’s address history
• Criminal Background Check Services, including county, state, and federal criminal searches
• Employment history
• Education and credential verifications
• Professional license verification
• Motor vehicle driving history
• Sex offender registry search
• Government and healthcare sanctions screening
• Professional reference checks for additional context on past performance and workplace conduct

These services provide the clarity and confidence needed to make informed hiring decisions.

Accurate’s compliance team partners with you to provide education on these laws and update you about new legislation, making it easier for you to comply with federal and state regulations. But hiring managers and HR teams also need to understand legislation concerning Illinois background checks. Some of the relevant regulations include:

• Ban the Box: Illinois employers are prohibited from asking about or considering a candidate’s criminal history until after they have been deemed qualified for the position and notified that they have been selected for an interview (or, if no interview, after a conditional offer of employment). Exceptions apply for positions where employers are required to exclude applicants with certain criminal convictions from employment due to federal or State law.
• Use of criminal records: Adverse employment decisions based on criminal records should only occur when there is a substantial relationship between the conviction(s) and the job requirements, or if employment would pose an unreasonable risk to property or safety. Employers must conduct individualized assessments and provide candidates an opportunity to respond before taking adverse action.
• Use of marijuana tests in hiring decisions: Recreational marijuana is legal in Illinois, so employers should also review Illinois marijuana laws and other relevant regulations to ensure compliance.

Understanding the applicable laws and regulations will help you ensure your background screening process is effective and stay compliant with relevant hiring laws.

Hiring the right candidate should not be left to chance. Accurate delivers the insights necessary for confident hiring decisions, no matter what position you’re hiring for or where you’re located.

Ready to streamline your hiring and vetting process with reliable employment screening? Contact Accurate today to start building the best background screening program for your business.