Background checks have evolved dramatically over the past century, shifting from informal trust-based assessments to structured, legally driven processes. The rise of negligent hiring laws in the early 1900s prompted employers to scrutinize candidates more closely, while the 1990s saw a surge in professional screening services. Today, smarter hiring emphasizes tailored, compliant, and ongoing evaluations that go beyond criminal records to include identity, employment, and credential verification. The historical trajectory highlights the importance of balancing risk mitigation with fairness and accuracy in modern workforce screening.
