First Advantage: Background Checks vs. Drug Testing - Which Comes First?

Understanding First Advantage's Process

When it comes to hiring, First Advantage, a leading provider of background checks and employee screening services, follows a specific procedure to ensure the best possible hires. Typically, they conduct background checks first, followed by drug testing, including urine tests. However, the specific order can vary depending on the employer's policies and the requirements of the position.

Why Background Checks Come First

Most employers prioritize background checks before drug testing for a crucial reason: they avoid wasting resources on drug screening candidates they ultimately decide not to hire. These checks help ensure that the individuals they are considering for employment have a clean record, reducing the risk of hiring someone with a history of criminal activity or dishonesty.

Does First Advantage Use Urine Tests?

First Advantage offers a range of laboratory testing options including urine, saliva, hair, and blood testing. These services provide a comprehensive single-source solution for drug testing, which can be used not only for pre-employment screening but also for ongoing employee monitoring. The choice of which type of test to use may depend on the client's preferences and the nature of the job.

Background Checks vs. Drug Testing

For most employers, the background check will either occur before or around the same time as the drug test. The timing can vary based on the employer's policies and the laws in their state or locality. Employers have the flexibility to choose whether to run a background check first, then a drug test, or conduct both simultaneously. While drug testing may be less costly, some employers prefer to run only one test to avoid unnecessary expenses if the candidate is not suitable for the position.

Employer Decisions in Screening

These decisions are up to the specific employer. If a background check is conducted first, the focus is on verifying the candidate's background without immediately resorting to drug testing. This approach might be beneficial for companies that prioritize a candidate's past behavior and ethics before considering their current health status. Conversely, if a drug test is performed first, it can help weed out applicants who may not be suitable for the job due to drug use.

Can You Influence the Order?

Some candidates might wonder if they can influence which test is done first. However, most job applicants have limited control over the screening process. If you are concerned about drug use and want to clean up your system, scheduling a drug test first may be a strategy, but it implies a habit that hiring managers would likely be wary of. If you are indicative of such a pattern, it might not be the best approach.

Employer Choices and Compliance

Ultimately, employers have the discretion to choose the order of their screening processes. They must adhere to all relevant laws, guidelines, and internal policies when designing their pre-employment screening programs. Both background checks and drug tests play crucial roles in the hiring process, and the sequence depends on the employer's priorities and the job's requirements.

Conclusion

At First Advantage, the typical order is a background check followed by drug testing, but the specific sequence can vary. Background checks are usually done first to ensure that the candidate is ethical and has a clean history, while drug tests are used to verify the candidate's suitability for the job. While employers can choose the order, the most common approach is to conduct the background check before the drug test. Understanding and preparing for both steps can help ensure a smoother hiring process.