Verifications, Inc. Introduces Web-based Professional Reference Checking Product

Net Reference Provides Higher Quality References In Less Time Than Phone-Based Referencing

Minneapolis, MN— February 10, 2004—Verifications, Inc., the leading US-based provider of employment screening services, today announced the introduction of Net Reference, the first-ever Web-based professional reference checking product. Net Reference sets a new standard for obtaining professional references in the employment screening industry as the most effective, efficient and economical way to get accurate and useful job applicant reference information.

Net Reference overcomes the obstacles inherent in telephone referencing because it is completely confidential and anonymous, is based on validated job competencies and is easy to use. Recruiters no longer need to make phone calls and schedule callbacks only to have reference providers hesitate to provide verbal information. Net Reference enables recruiters to focus on other high priority tasks while it gathers information on their behalf and generates detailed quantitative and qualitative information to help them make the best hiring decision.

“We’re excited about Net Reference and breaking new ground in the employment screening industry,” said Jerry Hatton, Verifications, Inc. Chief Operating Officer. “We believe it will truly revolutionize how personal and professional references are performed and will become part of standard hiring practices for many companies. As a leader in the employment screening industry, our clients expect innovations from us and the release of Net Reference is another example of Verifications, Inc. providing new services that exceed our clients expectations.”

Net Reference offers many advantages over telephone references:

• Focus. Net Reference pinpoints job-specific skills, professional behaviors and values on the job. Phone referencing is often limited in scope due to time constraints and cost.

• Depth. Net Reference provides a detailed quantitative and qualitative assessment. Phone referencing is often limited to “name, rank and serial number” data only.

• Breadth. Net Reference provides an average of 6 completed references per candidate; up to 15 are allowed. Phone referencing generally provides 2 or 3 references and not all will provide useful information.

• Cost. Net Reference is inexpensive, quick and easy. Phone referencing is time consuming and more expensive.

• Objectivity. Net Reference is confidential and anonymous; thereby encouraging objective and accurate responses. Phone referencing is not confidential and typically subjective and conversational.

• Completion Rate. Net Reference has a very high completion rate. Phone references are often not completed.

• Accuracy. Net Reference will discover “areas of concern” that may go un-noticed via phone referencing, which very rarely uncovers negative information about a job candidate.

Verifications provides a comprehensive suite of services online through SafeScreen, a web-based system for the ordering and retrieval of background investigation reports. Net Reference is fully integrated into the SafeScreen environment. Other services from Verifications include criminal record investigations, academic and employment verifications, professional licensing checks as well as a complete range of substance abuse testing. With a reputation for excellent customer service, Verifications focuses on accuracy, the quality of information and the use of technology to deliver the information necessary for users to make informed and timely hiring decisions.


About Verifications Inc
Verifications, Inc. is the premier provider of background investigations and employment screening services. Over 4,000 companies have chosen Verifications because they consistently provide the highest quality services and the most accurate information. The company is ISO 9001:2000 certified and utilizes state-of-the-art technology to provide services including background checks, tenant screening, substance abuse testing, assessment testing and occupational medical services. For more information, visit them on the Web at www.verificationsinc.com.

Contact Information
Michelle Crowe, Director of Marketing
Verifications Incorporated
763-420-0623