Hiring the wrong person for a job can be an expensive mistake for any company. A study by CareerBuilder found that 74% of employers have made bad hires, costing an average of $14,900 annually or from 50% to 213 % of the annual salary cost of each employee, depending on the job level. The cost of these bad hires can be even higher for software developers, as they often have access to sensitive data and intellectual property.

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There are a number of reasons why bad hires can be so costly for software development teams. For example, a bad hire may:

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• Not have the skills or experience necessary to do the job. This can lead to decreased productivity and increased costs.
• Make mistakes that can damage the company's reputation. For example, a software developer who makes a security mistake could expose the company's data to hackers.
• Leave the company early. This can lead to the cost of recruiting and training a new employee.

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To avoid this costly error, it's crucial for IT companies to conduct thorough screening  background checks on potential employees. In this post, we will discuss the significance of background checks when hiring software developers and provide a list of the best providers for screening remote software developers in South America

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Why is important to verify candidates for software engineering positions?

When it comes to hiring software developers, conducting thorough background checks is a non-negotiable step. Not only do these IT professionals handle sensitive information and data that could cause severe damage if compromised, but their specialized skills and qualifications also make it crucial to verify their claims. 

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This is particularly true for remote software developers, who may be challenging to vet without a well-defined procedure or provider for background checks. By verifying a candidate's background, you can ensure that they have the necessary expertise and track record to contribute to your company's success.

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The Legal and Ethical Considerations of Background Checks

It's worth noting that some states have laws that limit when employers can conduct background checks. For example, in some states, employers cannot ask about a candidate's criminal history on a job application, during an interview, or before extending a job offer. To avoid legal issues, it's best to make the job offer contingent upon a successful background check.

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When conducting a background check, companies must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulations. Candidates have the right to be informed of the background check and give written permission before it takes place. This step can help weed out candidates who may know that a background check will disqualify them from consideration.

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Finally, it's important to note that social media screening, while tempting, can carry risks. Employers who screen candidates based on personal information protected by state and national laws can be legally held accountable. 

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The Reality of Background Check Timelines

It's also worth noting that background checks typically take less time than most people assume. While many assume that background checks can take up to two weeks, the reality is that they can be completed in less than five business days, with an average completion time of between 24 and 72 business hours. The longer the check takes, the higher the risk of losing candidates due to a lack of timely verification.

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Best Providers for Background Checks in South America

When searching for the best providers of background checks in South America, it's crucial to consider several factors, including the provider's experience, reputation, and cost. Some of the top options in the region are HireRight, Checkr, Global Backgrounds, Truecheck by Truora, and XtdForce by First Advantage.

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HireRight

HireRight offers customizable screening packages that cater to the specific needs of different industries, including IT. Their expertise and tools can help you make informed hiring decisions when looking to hire engineers, developers, IT analysts, network admins, or help desk support staff. HireRight provides a range of screening services, including verification of a candidate's education, employment history, qualifications, and licenses. Additionally, they offer criminal background checks and alcohol and drug screening services. HireRight provides services in more than 200 countries and territories.

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Checkr

Checkr is another global leader in the background check industry, providing services tailored to various industries, including Technology. Their global screenings platform is available in over 200+ countries, and pricing starts at $79,99 for each screening process that includes education and employment verification. Checkr can integrate with any HR solution, commercial or custom, through an API, increasing the level of control and information management streamline.

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Global Backgrounds

Global Backgrounds offers a comprehensive suite of services with both domestic and international coverage. Their services include civil records (local level), criminal records (local level), federal criminal records, education verification, and employment verification. Global provides services in over 250 territories and countries. Prices, requirements, and delivery times vary by country, so you need to request a quotation on their website to know the price for the specific country of residence of the candidate.

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Truecheck by Truora

Truora is a Latin American startup that offers innovative fraud prevention technologies for validating users and performing KYC processes. Truecheck by Truora offers a background check service that works by submitting a picture of a national ID. It provides identity verification, criminal background checks, legal background checks, and international checks. Pricing starts at $39,99 monthly for up to 10 background checks.

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XtdForce by First Advantage

First Advantage offers different solutions by industry, and XtdForce was designed for contractor background checks. It's a solution for mid and large IT companies or staffing agencies with the need to have a specific platform for screening multiple candidates.

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Keep in mind that if you hire through a reputable staffing company, they will likely include background checks as part of the process. By partnering with a reputable provider, companies can ensure they're hiring the right candidates while avoiding legal issues and negative consequences.

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GlobalWork

GlobalWork is a Colombian startup that uses AI to optimize the process of hiring. They offer their services in Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica, which include academic and professional background checks, home visits, criminal background checks. One of the advantages of GlobalWork is their local presence, and their coverage in the whole territory.

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In conclusion, conducting thorough background checks is crucial for preventing costly bad hires and safeguarding sensitive company information. If you prefer to avoid the hassle of sourcing and hiring candidates, you may consider hiring through an IT staffing company. These companies typically include background checks as part of their services, ensuring that you hire the right candidates. 

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However, if you want to conduct criminal background checks on your own in Colombia or Ecuador, you can use public databases. Keep in mind that you'll need to have a good level of spanish to be able to navigate the site, and read the certificate.   Note that official criminal records sites are not publicly accessible in some other South American countries.

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Colombia official background check sites: 

For instance, in Colombia, the Colombian police run a website where you can obtain a criminal background certification by providing the candidate's ID number. Similarly, another website enables you to obtain a full report for the past five years of criminal, disciplinary, and tax records by entering the ID number. These are some of the documents that civil servants must generate to maintain their positions. Both databases are accessible to Colombian citizens and legal residents.

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Ecuador official background checks sites

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In Ecuador, you can obtain a criminal background certificate via a government-run website by entering the candidate's ID number. This website is open to both citizens and residents. 

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In conclusion, conducting thorough background checks on software developers and contractors in South America is crucial for safeguarding your company's interests. These checks can help prevent costly bad hires and protect sensitive company information. While there are legal considerations and limitations to keep in mind, companies can find reliable providers to help them conduct background checks quickly and efficiently.

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Alternatively, to avoid the hassle of sourcing and hiring candidates, companies can consider hiring through an IT staffing company that includes background checks in its services. BetterWay Devs, for instance, offers a unique model for hiring the right developers and fostering long-term relationships.  We give the recognition your developers deserved by offering a transparent salary negotiation.  By partnering with us, companies can ensure they're hiring the right candidates and avoid legal issues and negative consequences. Schedule a call to learn more

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Paula Tellez

BetterWay Devs Inbound Marketing Manager

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-tellez/

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Suggested Reading

Building a Nearshore Tech Team: IT Recruiting Insights for South America

Expanding Your Talent Pool: The Advantages of Overseas Remote Tech Recruiting

Best Tools for Technical Assessment of Software Developers

Conducting Effective Technical Interviews for Software Developers in South America

How Software Developer Recruiters Can Help Build Your Candidate Funnel

The Impact of AI in Tech Hiring: Revolutionizing the Recruitment Process

Effective Strategies for Vetting IT Candidates: Ensuring Quality Hiring

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