An employment background check service is exactly what the name implies: it's typically a web-based service that offers employers, and sometimes consumers, the ability to check a variety of different, public databases for background data on designated individuals. The data these services access is almost always publicly available, so the value they're offering is in convenience, breadth of data access, and ability to parse that data effectively so you can use it to make a hiring decision. All that's offered for a price, which is typically calculated per report, though there are other pricing methods. The majority of background check services are standalone. Businesses will access them whenever they want to run a report. Some, however, are offered as part of a larger integrated HR software solution that makes the feature available for an added cost. Others specialize mainly in the data portion and provide application programming interface (API) that developers can use to more seamlessly build background check  integration into their specific in-house solutions, existing third-party human resources (HR) systems, or other relevant software. HR departments often rely on multiple services to produce a more balanced or insightful candidate profile. Engaging multiple services, however, can soon become expensive and redundant if they generate much of the same background data.  While conducting a screening is usually just a matter of setting up an account with a service and inputting some key data points, HR managers should refrain from simply jumping in and running scans. Employers and third-party companies that provide these services to HR managers must adhere to certain laws, which vary from state to state as well as between counties and even municipalities. This means, before obtaining and reviewing any report for the purpose of hiring new employees, be sure you're clear on the laws for your state and that of any third-party participants, too. If you have a legal department, then it's a good idea to run through this with them before starting your screening process. As an employer, you are required to get an applicant's written consent before getting any reports. Your applicants have the right to all of those records, can dispute inaccuracies, and seek damages from companies that violate their rights or discriminate against them. Good employment background check services provide a means for their clients to comply with this requirement, so verify that before making a decision.