You probably know it: you have an applicant in front of you, the interview goes smoothly, the resume looks neat and everything seems to fit. But ... does it really add up?
Pre-employment screening simply means double-checking whether someone is really who he or she says they are. No mistrust, just common sense. Because if something turns out not to be correct, then you are in trouble.
Why is screening so important? And how do you go about it without making a fuss? In this article we take you step by step, with examples and practical tips.
What is pre-employment screening and how do you go about it?
Screening is not only about 'finding faults', but especially about making sure that someone fits your organization. That starts with a few simple steps:
✔ Check identity
Ask for valid ID and check that everything matches the resume.
✔ Verify diplomas and certificates.
Show official documents or verify them directly with the issuing authority.
✔ Check references
A brief phone call with a previous employer can provide much insight into a person's attitude, responsibilities and reliability.
✔ Background or VOG check (if necessary)
Especially in sectors such as healthcare, logistics or education, this is crucial. Make sure you make clear agreements with the candidate about this.
✔ Screen soft skills during the interview
Pay attention not only to what someone says, but also to motivation, learning attitude and communication.
You don't have to do all this yourself. Meta Career supports employers with screenings that fit your industry and company. Discrete, legally correct and without unnecessary delay. This way you avoid surprises and make better choices.
Why is screening so important?
Hiring new people costs time, money and energy. So of course you want to be sure you are making the right choice. Screening helps you avoid surprises, reduce risks and make better matches.
1. You avoid nasty surprises
Imagine: you hire someone who claims to have management experience. But three months later he turns out to be primarily "a team supporter. The team gets frustrated, the atmosphere drops, and you get to start over.
Did you know that 70% of resumes contain incorrect or incomplete information? Often minor distortions, sometimes outright fabricated work experiences.
At Meta Careers, we discreetly research this. We check diplomas, call references and make sure you don't end up with unqualified personnel. This prevents you from hiring someone based on a nice story that is not true.
2. You protect your organization and your customers
In sectors such as logistics, healthcare, education or IT, reliability is extra important. You work with tight schedules, valuable goods and people who have to be able to count on each other. One wrong appointment or excessive turnover can have an immediate impact on the operation.
Take CEVA Logistics as an example. In this dynamic industry, flexibility is important, but that also brings challenges. With rapid growth and fluctuating demand, turnover was running high. Meta Career helped CEVA reduce that. How? By recruiting smarter, integrating migrant workers faster and thus increasing productivity. This saves a lot in costs and creates peace on the shop floor.
Curious about what that looks like in practice? Download the CEVA Logistics business case and discover how Meta Career makes a difference.
3. You show that you are serious
Did you know that many candidates actually appreciate screening? It gives confidence that the company is serious about reliability and safety. Moreover, it lets them know that their future colleagues have also been checked.
So screening not only provides security on the employer's side, but also more clarity and peace of mind for the applicant himself.
4. You make better and more sustainable choices
Screening is not just about ruling out risks, but about better assessing whether someone really fits into your team. Is it true not only on paper, but also in practice? Think about soft skills such as cooperation, communication and reliability, which are not always visible on a resume.
Meta Career helps companies make exactly those kinds of things transparent in advance. This way you avoid surprises and with one extra check you often make the difference between a mismatch and a valuable asset.
In summary, why is screening so smart?
- You prevent nasty surprises
- You protect your team, your organization and your clients
- You come across as professional and reliable
- You find people who really fit you
And the best part? You don't have to do it all yourself.
Meta Career takes the screening process completely out of your hands. Together we look at what you need, how we can help you and where you can gain directly in your recruitment process. So you can strengthen your team with confidence.
Schedule a free introductory consultation with Meta Career today.
