Background evaluation is the last step in the hiring process. The chief aim of having a background evaluation into a candidate is to reduce the risk of negligent hiring. Background evaluation includes investigating of references, employment verifications, drug tests, and criminal records.

Details to take into consideration when using background evaluations include:

• Use a third-party provider expert in background screenings
• Don't choose your third-party provider based on cost alone--a higher cost may be a good indicator of a more thorough evaluation
• Since you will be paying good money for a background evaluation, use it only in the final step of the hiring process
• If the background evaluation reveals a criminal record of your candidate, don't eliminate your candidate before you have had a clear conversation with him

These four hiring techniques, when used together, greatly improve your probabilities of hiring the right fit to your organization, since these selection techniques are the best ones to evaluate the candidate's skills, abilities, values, and passion.