The staffing industry has always run on tight margins and high expectations. But lately? The pressure’s intensified. You’re competing against firms that’ll undercut you on price without blinking. Your clients want faster placements but stricter compliance. And candidates? They expect a hiring experience that doesn’t feel like they’re applying for a mortgage.

If you’re feeling the squeeze, you’re not alone.

The Real Cost of Competing on Price Alone

Let’s talk about the race to the bottom. Every staffing professional knows there’s always someone willing to go cheaper on fees; and often, that means cutting corners on pre-employment screening or candidate quality. The problem isn’t just lost revenue…it’s that when a bad placement happens, you’re the one holding the bag.

Your reputation suffers. The client relationship takes a hit. And suddenly, that five-point margin you fought to protect doesn’t seem worth the risk.

Smart staffing firms are shifting the conversation away from “Who’s cheapest?” to “Who’s most reliable?” That means demonstrating value through compliance expertise, faster turnaround times, and candidate quality that holds up long after placement.

Background Checks Aren’t Just Compliance Checkboxes

Here’s where many firms get it wrong: they treat employment screening as a necessary evil, something to get through quickly and cheaply. But your screening program is actually a competitive advantage when done right.

Consider what proper background screening actually does:

• Reduces client risk by identifying red flags before placement
• Speeds up time-to-fill when integrated seamlessly into your workflow
• Protects your brand from negligent hiring liability
• Improves candidate experience with transparent, efficient processes

At UBS, we’ve designed our employment screening solutions specifically for the staffing model. That means county and statewide criminal searches, national criminal database checks, and Social Security address traces that deliver results in hours, not days. Because when a client needs someone to start Monday morning, “We’re still waiting on background checks” isn’t an acceptable answer.

Technology Should Work For You, Not Against You

The staffing technology industry has exploded. ATS integrations, digital onboarding platforms, automated scheduling tools—it’s a lot. But here’s the thing: technology should eliminate friction, not create it.

When your background screening provider integrates directly with your applicant tracking system, you’re not manually entering candidate information twice. Digital consent forms mean no more chasing down signatures. Real-time status updates mean you’re not fielding “Where’s my background check?” calls.

These aren’t nice-to-haves anymore. Candidates judge you based on how smooth the process feels. Clients judge you on how fast you can deliver quality talent. The firms winning right now have eliminated the administrative drag that used to slow everything down.

Customizing Your Employment Screening Program

One-size-fits-all background check packages might save money upfront, but they often cost you more in the long run. Either you’re over-screening for low-risk positions (eating into margins), or you’re under-screening for high-stakes placements (risking client relationships).

The better approach? Build flexible screening packages that scale with the role:

For volume positions (warehouse, hospitality, light industrial):

• Social Security trace for identity verification
• National criminal database search for broad coverage
• Ongoing monitoring for long-term contract workers

For specialized or regulated roles (healthcare, finance, education):

• County-level criminal searches for accuracy
• License and credential verification
• Drug screening and health compliance checks

For executive or direct-hire placements:

• Comprehensive employment and education verification
• Professional reference checks
• Credit reports where legally permissible

UBS helps staffing firms design cost-effective screening programs that match their client mix and risk tolerance—without sacrificing compliance or candidate experience.

Staying Current on FCRA Compliance and Staffing Regulations

Compliance isn’t getting simpler. Ban-the-box laws, salary history bans, cannabis legalization, FCRA requirements—the regulatory environment shifts constantly. And when you’re placing candidates across multiple states, keeping track of varying laws becomes a full-time job.

This is where partnership matters. Organizations like the American Staffing Association (ASA) and Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) offer critical guidance on emerging compliance issues. But your background screening provider should also be a resource—helping you navigate adverse action procedures, understand Fair Chance hiring laws, and stay current on state-specific restrictions.

At UBS, we work extensively with staffing agencies, PEO providers, and payroll companies. We understand the unique compliance challenges temporary staffing presents, and we’ve built our processes to keep you protected.

Building Your Brand in a Crowded Market

Differentiation in staffing often comes down to trust. Clients need to know you won’t ghost them when a placement goes sideways. Candidates need to know you’re not just throwing resumes at the wall.

Your approach to candidate vetting and employment background checks communicates a lot about your values. Firms that prioritize thorough screening, transparent communication, and ethical hiring practices build reputations that outlast any competitor’s discount pricing.

Thought leadership matters too. Share what you’re learning about applicant experience, compliance trends, or technology adoption. Position yourself as the expert who helps clients navigate complexity—not just the vendor who fills open requisitions.

Moving Forward with Confidence

The staffing space will keep evolving. Artificial intelligence will change sourcing. Integration partnerships will deepen. Candidate expectations will rise. But the fundamentals remain: relationships, quality, and reliability win.

UBS provides background screening solutions designed for staffing professionals who refuse to compromise. Fast turnaround times. Flexible screening packages. FCRA-compliant processes. Integration-ready technology.

Because in an industry built on trust, your screening partner should be someone you can count on.

Ready to strengthen your candidate screening process? Learn more about UBS’s staffing-focused background check solutions at universalbackground.com.