As organisations expand their presence in the APAC region, challenges such as changing regional legislation surrounding corruption, data privacy and consumer protection can provide blockades for employers to perform background checks on candidates. As such, it is important for employers to grasp the screening trends on the APAC markets.
Drawing data from close to one million employment verification and reference checks conducted by
First Advantage in the APAC region, the
First Advantage Employment Screening Trends Report: Asia Pacific outlines the major discrepancies and reveals trends in the region.
APAC employers have increased their use of background screening, up from 38.5% last year to 40.4% in Q1 2013. However, a minimal approach to background screening was also noted, with 18% of all candidates who are screened only being subjected to one check.
Conducting multiple screening may be beneficial, however. Employers conducting six or more checks were nine times more likely to uncover a discrepancy, compared to those who conducted between one and two checks.
“The results of our study show how enhanced screening practices in the region have helped employers find more discrepancies when hiring, enabling them to ensure they onboard and retain the best talent possible,” Chin Wei Chon, marketing communications director of First Advantage, said.
Key stats
First Advantage found the following discrepancies are uncovered in the APAC region the most:
- Employment history (49%)
- Database (23%) (This refers to discrepancies with matching data collected from a database that may include media, addresses, online profiles, passports/IDs, etc)
- Education (21%)
- Criminal history (4.8%)
- Financial related checks (2.59%)
