4 Ways Applicant Advocates Improve Background Checks

Why Candidate Experience and Compliance Matter

Maximum possible accuracy is the foundation of background checks, but a good candidate experience is just as important. Job seekers want the process to be clear and easy to understand. A bad experience can scare away talent and hurt your hiring efforts.

Compliance is another key factor. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and federal and state laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protect candidates during background checks. Breaking these laws can lead to serious legal and financial problems.

Working with a partner that values both compliance and customer care helps you protect your company and build trust with candidates. InfoMart’s Applicant Advocate program is a great example of how to do both.

Keep reading: Learn how to comply with ban the box laws and create a fair hiring process that fosters equal opportunity.

What Is the Applicant Advocate Program?

InfoMart started the Applicant Advocate program over ten years ago to protect candidates and support employers. Our in-house team handles all FCRA disputes, helping candidates understand and fix issues with their reports.

Key features of the program include:

• Quick access to reports for candidates
• Reports delivered within 48 hours
• Fast dispute investigations to fix discrepancies quickly
• Dedicated support to guide candidates through the process

This program goes beyond compliance by focusing on making the experience better for everyone.

4 Ways Applicant Advocate Programs Improve Candidate Experience

Programs like this make the background check process smoother and more positive. Here’s how:

1. Transparency Builds Trust: Candidates like knowing what’s happening with their background checks. InfoMart’s program gives them free access to their reports, so they can see what employers see. This builds trust and clears up confusion.
2. Quick Resolutions Prevent Stress: Disputes can be frustrating, especially if they delay hiring. InfoMart starts investigations within 24 hours, solving problems quickly to keep things on track.
3. Personalized Support Makes a Difference: Background checks can feel overwhelming. InfoMart’s Applicant Advocates answer questions and guide candidates through disputes. This one-on-one support helps candidates feel respected and valued.
4. Compliance Ensures Fairness: Laws like the FCRA protect candidates’ rights. InfoMart’s program helps employers follow the rules.

Benefits for Employers

Improving the candidate experience also benefits employers. Clear and accurate background checks reduce delays, giving HR teams more time to focus on big-picture goals.

Applicant Advocates resolve disputes quickly and provides re-verifications. Digital records of activity make audits and reports easy.

When you focus on both candidate care and compliance, you build a reputation as a fair, trustworthy employer. This makes it easier to attract top talent.

Go a step further: Discover how to properly evaluate criminal records with individualized assessments to ensure compliance with legal standards.

Why Accuracy and Transparency Are Important

Mistakes in background reports can have serious consequences. For candidates, errors can cost them a job. For employers, they can lead to delays, bad hires, or compliance risks.

InfoMart’s Applicant Advocates work to resolve disputes quickly and fairly. By focusing on accuracy, the program supports ethical and effective hiring practices.

The Business Case for Candidate-First Screening

Putting candidates first isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s also smart business. Candidates with good hiring experiences are more likely to accept offers and recommend your company to others.

InfoMart’s program makes the background check process clearer, faster, and more supportive. This builds trust and strengthens your company’s reputation as a great place to work.

Keep reading: Get tips on crafting a simple, compliant disclosure and authorization process.

Choosing the Right Partner

When choosing a background check provider, look for one that aligns with your values. Key traits to look for include:

• Compliance: A proven record of following laws like the FCRA and other local regulations.
• Accuracy: Reliable results to help you make the right hiring decisions.
• Candidate Support: Dedicated teams to guide candidates and resolve disputes.
• Extra Services: Managed compliance, like pre-adverse and adverse action letters.

Looking for more? Check out InfoMart’s background check compliance guide

A Partner You Can Trust

InfoMart’s Applicant Advocate program combines accuracy, compliance, and care for candidates. It helps employers and candidates move through the hiring process with confidence and trust.

Choose InfoMart to elevate your hiring process. With a focus on transparency and fairness, InfoMart helps you get the whole story — so everyone can move forward confidently.

More good stuff: Discover the importance of selecting a background check provider who prioritizes data integrity.

About Tim Gordon

Tim Gordon, InfoMart’s Chief Compliance Officer, is a seasoned, knowledgeable professional in the background screening industry dedicated to driving InfoMart’s operations efficiently and profitably. Tim utilizes his extensive history in multiple positions across the company to oversee the processing of InfoMart’s core service offerings. He joined InfoMart in 2004; his tenure at InfoMart has been one of efficiency, communication, and continued innovation.  With over a decade of experience running InfoMart’s compliance team, Tim is instrumental in proactively updating company regulations to keep InfoMart ahead of legislative changes. He previously sat on the Background Screening Credentialing Council with PBSA, where he helped oversee the accreditation program. Now, he serves as the Chair of the Professional Background Screening Association, where he helps steer the screening industry and shapes compliance initiatives globally. 

About InfoMart

InfoMart has been revolutionizing the global background and identity screening industry for 30 years, providing businesses the information they need to make informed hiring decisions. They develop innovative technology that modernizes talent onboarding, including a first-to-market biometric identity authentication application and a verified sanctions search. The WBENC-certified company is a founding member of the Professional Background Screening Association, and they have achieved PBSA accreditation in recognition of their consistent business practices and commitment to compliance with the FCRA. The company is dedicated to customer service, speed, and accuracy, and it has been recognized for its success, workplace culture, and corporate citizenship with over 45 industry awards. To Get the Whole Story on InfoMart, please visit www.InfoMart-USA.com, follow @InfoMartUSA, or call (770) 984-2727.