USIS commercial services launches Refer-e electronic verification -
expedites reference checks, improves quality of hires
TULSA , Okla., Nov. 12, 2007 – USIS, a leader in employment screening, drug
testing, and insurance services, and the largest provider of security investigations
to the U.S. government, has launched Refer-e, an online service that improves the
reference checking process for potential job candidates. The service is offered
by USIS’ commercial services business based in Tulsa, Okla.
Checking a candidate’s references is a critical step
in the hiring process . Yet, for most businesses, phone-based reference checks are
costly, time-consuming, and can often leave the hiring manager with incomplete and
even inaccurate information. Through Refer-e, a confidential, 360-degree-style process,
employers can quickly and easily acquire an in-depth understanding of a candidate’s
past job performance.
Refer-e is offered by USIS through a partnership with SkillSurvey. SkillSurvey’s
PreHire 360 technology, upon which Refer-e is based, was recently named a Top 10
HR Product of 2007 by HR Executive Magazine.
Other benefits of Refer-e include:
- Improving the quality of hires through
the creation of a fully informed hiring decision that includes an accurate picture
of a candidate’s past job performance.
- Increasing recruiter productivity by eliminating reference check
phone calls and creating more time to focus on recruiting.
- Allowing recruiters to fill jobs faster with an average turnaround
time of approximately one-and-a-half days, as compared to three to five days via
phone.
- Decreasing the hiring risk through the use of a consistent, documented,
and measurable reference-checking process .
“Using a service like Refer-e returns more information about a candidate’s
job skills in less time than traditional phone-based verifications,” said
Kyle Jacobsen, verifications product manager for USIS’ commercial services
business. “The hiring manager can make a more informed decision on a potential
candidate, while also accelerating the hiring process. Quicker turnaround time for
verifications is especially important in industries such as healthcare where qualified
employees are constantly in high demand.”
“USIS understands that delivering innovative, yet proven, solutions is essential
for continued success in the pre-employment screening marketplace,” said Jim
Ray, vice president of business development for SkillSurvey. “We are very
pleased to add USIS to our growing network of trusted business partners.”
Jennifer Daniels , vice president of marketing for USIS’ commercial services
business, added that “USIS can bring this unique professional reference solution
to the market faster because we leveraged SkillSurvey’s proprietary technology
through USIS’ web ordering platform. In addition, Refer-e complements several
innovative screening products recently introduced by USIS, including Driver Violation
Alert (DVA), Fingerprint Collection, and Guardian National Sex Offender Search.”
The most comprehensive solution in employment screening is to combine the Refer-e
verifications service with additional background screening services offered by USIS’
commercial services business. The company provides criminal records searches, credit
reports, employment and education verifications, drug testing, and other products
that already assist more than 33,000 customers across the U.S. in the healthcare,
transportation, retail, insurance, gaming, manufacturing, and financial services
industries.
About SkillSurvey:
SkillSurvey is the leading provider of online reference assessment solutions
that increase quality of hire and improve recruiting efficiency. Using SkillSurvey,
organizations improve the quantity and quality of information they collect regarding
a candidate’s past performance, resulting in a significant reduction in time
and money spent on reference checking. This breakthrough, patent-pending approach
to reference assessments is based on over 25 years of research in job competency
modeling.
About USIS:
Established in 1996, USIS helps businesses, federal agencies, and institutions
protect critical assets, evaluate information, and identify and mitigate risk. The
company offers a broad range of services including pre-employment and drug screening
services, background investigations, business intelligence and risk management solutions,
and national security services. The company provides its specialized, customer-focused
services to clients ranging from the federal government and major retailers to small
businesses and local law enforcement agencies.
USIS’ three divisions include the Investigative Services Division,
the largest supplier of background investigations to the U.S. Government; the Commercial
Services Division, a leading provider of pre-employment and drug screening
services to commercial clients nationwide; and the National Security Division,
which provides national security services on a global b asis that support mission
critical needs. Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., USIS has approximately 7,000
employees supporting business operations in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and
overseas. For more information visit www.usis.com
Media Contact
Amber Remke : office 918.664.9991 x2668,
amber.remke@usis.com, or Michael John : office 703.637.1694;
mobile 703.343.3325; or michael.john@usis.com.
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Established in 1996, USIS helps businesses, federal agencies, and institutions protect
critical assets, evaluate information, and identify and mitigate risk. The company
offers a broad range of services including pre-employment and drug screening services,
background investigations, business intelligence and risk management solutions,
and national security services. The company provides its specialized, customer-focused
services to clients ranging from the federal government and major retailers to small
businesses and local law enforcement agencies.
USIS’ three divisions include the Investigative Services Division,
the largest supplier of background investigations to the U.S. Government; the Commercial
Services Division, a leading provider of pre-employment and drug screening services
to commercial clients nationwide; and the National Security Division, which provides
national security services on a global b asis that support mission critical needs.
Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., USIS has approximately 7,000 employees
supporting business operations in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and overseas.
For more information visit www.usis.com