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It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. HR wants me to give someone a bad review they don’t deserve, to cover up HR’s own mistake I am a manager for a small team of engineers. One of my direct reports was given a new role that was supposed to come with a promotion and pay bump this year. It turned out that our local HR did not have the authority to actually increase his payband and rebranded the new role as a “lateral move.” Now reviews are due, and I am being told to artificially give another person on my team a bad review so that we can give a larger raise to the person who took on a new role. It feels really bad and unethical to do this. Especially since this is all due to local HR making promises that they couldn’t keep. I am looking for any advice on how to proceed. Whoa, yeah, that’s awful. It’s bad enough that they promised someone a raise that they can’t deliver on, but now they want you to give a bad review to someone who doesn’t deserve one so they can try to cover for their own mistake? You should refuse to give the bad review. Say this: “I can’t ethically give someone a bad review that they don’t deserve. If there’s not enough raise money to go around, I can work with you to figure out the messaging on that, but I can’t give someone a bad review when they’ve performed well. Given that, how should we proceed with the dividing the salary increases?” If they keep pushing you, you should escalate this over their heads. 2. Company is cutting retirement benefits while giving extra money to employees’ kids As you may know, starting in July parents and guardians will be able to open a new type of individual retirement account for kids under age 18 (the the 530A account); individuals and employers can contribute up to a total of $5,000 per child per year. The Big Boss at our company announced that the company will contribute several hundred dollars per child for those born in a four-year time span (2025-2028) to full-time employees. That’s great! We are a very large company with a fairly young demographic. However, we are also flush with middle-aged employees and no small amount of much older employees … and those older employees got dinged at least twice when the company stopped 401K matching and then brought the match back at a significantly lower level. When I asked HR about the match reduction equating to a reduction in compensation (along with increased insurance premiums and very reduced benefits; the company is self-insured) I was essentially told that’s just how it is. We have also previously been given half-days off prior to certain holidays, adding up to three days, but they stopped that practice this year. I asked HR if we would receive additional compensation for that time and was told no. We’re constantly told how the company is struggling and how we need to work harder, smarter while they cut back tangible benefits. And while I think working parents need all the help they can get, the contribution to these accounts for a select few without making comparable contributions to our 401K seems off balance. Your thoughts? I’d have no problem with this if they hadn’t cut benefits for everyone, while then adding a new benefit that only goes to people with kids. Cutting contributions to retirement accounts for employees while investing money in employees’ kids’ retirement accounts — and increasing insurance premiums across the board — is not good. I don’t know that I’d lump the canceled half-days for holidays in there, but it’s understandable that taken all together, it feels awfully tone-deaf for them to be adding a new benefit that goes to non-employees while shortchanging their actual employees. 3. Conference attendee told me I looked “bored” I work for an organization that runs a conference for a few hundred people each year. I play a variety of roles, from doing social media at the event, to running session logistics, to doing tech during conference-wise keynotes, etc. This year, the tech table with the laptop and soundboard were fairly near one of the projection screens. During one 90-minute event, I ran the Powerpoint, answered questions on my phone, and posted about the conference, all at the same time. It went off flawlessly, which was a huge relief because it takes a lot of planning. Lo and behold, a conference attendee came up to me afterwards and told me how “bored I looked.” Um, okay? I’m a woman, so, is he essentially calling me out for having resting bitch face? I spent the rest of the conference extremely self-conscious about how my face looked, which was exhausting. In the moment, I just politely laughed it off, which I feel like made him feel like he was right to say something. But this is also a rare instance that I have way more organization capital than this person, who is a partner but not an employee. What could have been a better response in the moment that stood up for myself and got him to back off? “Nope, just really focused on running the program.” Far too many men love to give women unsolicited input when they have no standing to offer it. Men, y’all need to cut this out. 4. Should I be offended by the ad for the job I’m leaving? I work in an agency setting in public relations. I have consistently received positive reviews for my client work and have been promoted twice since I started seven years ago, but I haven’t been as successful with new business development, which is a prerequisite for my next promotion. I started job searching late last year and was just offered a job at a company where new business development is not a requirement for bonuses or advancement, so I gave my notice this week. Yesterday our HR posted a job listing for my replacement and asked for me to share it if I knew of any good candidates. My eyes popped out of my head a little bit when it said they were looking for someone with 2-5 years experience. Does it reflect badly on me that they think they can replace me today with someone who has even less experience than I did when I joined the firm seven years ago? If so, I don’t want to share it, obviously. I have a handoff meeting next week with HR and would like to be able to respectfully address it if it is a reputational problem for me. It’s not an insult to you. It could be that they’re switching up the role a bit and have reasons for wanting to bring someone in at a more junior level, or they could be ignorant about what it takes to perform well in the job, or they could be open to a wide range of candidates and that’s the minimum experience they’re looking for but not necessarily what the successful person will end up having. You can certainly offer your feedback about their hiring plan, framed as, “For what it’s worth, I don’t think this is the profile of candidates who will be well-suited for the work; you’re likely to need some with more experience because of ___.” But avoid seeing it as a reflection on you; it’s more likely just HR being HR, in any of the ways described above. And of course, you’re under no obligation to circulate the job description; that would be a favor to them regardless, and you can simply decline to. The post HR wants me to give someone a bad review they don’t deserve, conference attendee told me I looked “bored,” and more appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

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IDEAS shared have the power to expand perspectives, change thinking, and move lives. Here are two ideas for the curious mind to engage with: I. Alan Stein on self-awareness: “It’s called “self” awareness, but the people you choose to surround yourself with play a part in that. A self-aware person is going to invite healthy criticism, and one way to do that is not to shy away from hearing the truth. It’s important to have supportive people who aren’t afraid to tell you things that you need to hear instead of the things that you want to hear.” Source: Raise Your Game: High-Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best II. Patty McCord on sharing information: “If your people aren’t informed by you, there’s a good chance they’ll be misinformed by others. If you don’t tell them about how the business is doing, what your strategy is, the challenges you’re facing, and what market analysts think of how you’re doing, then they’ll get the information elsewhere – either from colleagues, who will often be equally ill informed, or from the Web, which loves nothing so much as a rumor of doom or a juicy conspiracy theory.” Source: Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility * * * Look for these ideas every Thursday on the Leading Blog. Find more ideas on the LeadingThoughts index. * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. View the full article

If you’re in the market for affordable background checks, you’ll find plenty of options that won’t strain your budget. Services like BeenVerified and TruthFinder offer extensive features at competitive prices, whereas others like GoodHire guarantee compliance with legal standards. Comprehending what to look for in these services is essential, as it can save you time and money. Let’s explore the best options available and the key features that can help you make an informed choice. Key Takeaways Criminal background checks can start as low as $10 for federal and state searches, making them budget-friendly. Membership plans, like BeenVerified, offer unlimited reports for approximately $36.89 per month, ideal for frequent checks. Single searches from services like Spokeo provide access to public records and social media profiles for $29.95. Continuous monitoring services are available for about $1.70 per individual monthly, ensuring ongoing vigilance in screening. Always read the fine print for hidden fees and ensure services comply with FCRA regulations for accurate reporting. Overview of Affordable Background Check Services When you’re looking for affordable background check services, you’ll find a variety of options customized to fit different needs and budgets. Many services offer cheap background checks, with criminal searches starting from just $10 for federal and state checks. If you need ongoing access, membership plans like BeenVerified provide unlimited reports for around $36.89 per month. For casual users, Spokeo offers single searches at $29.95, giving you access to public records and social media profiles without high upfront costs. Organizations can benefit from GoodHire’s Basic+ tier, priced at $29.99 per report, allowing crucial checks without hefty commitments. Furthermore, for those interested in monitoring, continuous criminal search services are available at only $1.70 per individual monthly. You can even perform a background check using social security number for detailed insights. These options guarantee you have access to instant background check services that won’t break the bank. Key Features to Look For in Budget-Friendly Options Selecting the right budget-friendly background check service involves identifying key features that guarantee you receive quality insights without overspending. First, look for services offering thorough reports at competitive prices, such as federal criminal searches starting at $10 or employment verifications from $12.50. You should also seek providers that allow customizable packages, enabling you to tailor the background check with social security number options to your specific needs. Furthermore, consider membership plans that provide unlimited reports for a flat monthly fee, like BeenVerified, which offers numerous searches for about $36.89/month. Confirm the service complies with FCRA regulations, which protects against inaccuracies. Finally, evaluate customer service commitments; responsive support can greatly improve your experience. Some services even offer a 100 free background check trial, allowing you to test their offerings before committing financially. Prioritizing these features guarantees you get quality results without breaking the bank. Best People Search Sites for Inexpensive Background Checks When you’re looking for affordable background checks, several people search sites can offer budget-friendly options without sacrificing detail. TruthFinder stands out for its thorough reports, whereas Instant Checkmate provides unlimited searches for a flat fee, making it ideal for frequent users. Moreover, platforms like BeenVerified and Spokeo offer various membership plans that allow you to access multiple reports at reasonable prices, ensuring you only pay for the information you truly need. Budget-Friendly Search Options Finding budget-friendly options for background checks is essential, especially if you’re looking to gather important information without overspending. Here are some reliable services to take into account: Service Monthly Fee TruthFinder $30 Instant Checkmate Prices vary (unlimited searches) BeenVerified $36.89 Spokeo $29.95 Though you may not find a background check that’s actually for free, these options offer competitive rates. TruthFinder stands out for detailed reports, whereas BeenVerified thrives in budget-friendly searches, especially for vehicle information. Spokeo is another great choice for accessing public records and social media profiles. Evaluate your needs to choose the best service for your situation. Detailed Report Comparisons Several budget-friendly websites offer detailed reports for background checks, each with unique features that cater to different user needs. Here are three top contenders: TruthFinder: Known for its thorough reports, including personal assets and criminal records, it’s ideal for frequent users with monthly plans, but doesn’t offer one-off report options. BeenVerified: Offers a 1 Month Membership for $36.89, allowing access to up to 100 reports monthly. Nevertheless, its pricing can be confusing because of low-cost trials. Spokeo: At $29.95/month, this is a great choice for casual users looking for personal information and public records without breaking the bank. These sites excel in different areas, so choose based on your specific needs for background checks. FCRA-Compliant Background Screening at Competitive Prices A reliable background screening process is critical for employers and landlords to guarantee they make informed decisions about potential hires and tenants. FCRA-compliant services, like those offered by GoodHire, start at just $29.99 and include important features such as SSN traces and national criminal searches. For faster results, Checkr utilizes AI technology, allowing for quick turnaround times and transparent screening, making it an ideal choice for gig and marketplace companies. Backgrounds Online provides a range of FCRA-compliant options customized to specific industries, ensuring you can personalize your screening without facing hidden fees. Furthermore, you can validate candidate information affordably, with employment and education verifications starting at only $12.50 each. Customizable Packages for Tailored Background Checks In terms of background checks, customizable packages give you the flexibility to select specific products that align with your industry’s requirements. You can choose from various checks, such as criminal searches and employment verifications, ensuring a thorough assessment designed to your needs. Plus, with options for customized pricing based on your volume, you can find a solution that fits both your budget and your screening demands. Flexible Product Selection Customizing your background check packages offers a strategic advantage for organizations seeking to align their hiring processes with specific industry requirements. This flexibility allows you to select only what you need, enhancing efficiency and compliance. Here are three key benefits of flexible product selection: Tailored Screening: You can add specific products to meet unique industry needs, guaranteeing thorough evaluations. Increased Coverage: Opt for various search options to achieve a detailed assessment based on your requirements. Cost Management: By selecting only relevant searches, you effectively manage your background check costs as you maintain quality. With the ability to modify package components as regulations or organizational needs change, you can stay adaptive and guarantee your hiring process remains robust and compliant. Industry-Specific Requirements Understanding the unique needs of your industry is vital for implementing effective background checks that comply with relevant regulations and standards. Customizable packages enable you to tailor your background screening to guarantee thoroughness and compliance. You can choose from options like federal, state, or county criminal searches, along with employment and education verifications, creating a wide-ranging process that fits your hiring needs. If your organization requires ongoing monitoring, you can include continuous criminal searches for regular updates on employee backgrounds. Furthermore, if you hire globally, international reports can improve your package. Customizable search coverage allows you to specify jurisdictions and data types, making sure you obtain the most relevant and precise information for your industry. Customized Pricing Options As you explore background check options, you’ll find that many services offer customizable packages designed to meet your specific needs and industry requirements. This flexibility allows you to select services that align with your hiring practices. Here are three key aspects to take into account: Tailored Services: You can create a package that includes employment and education checks, starting from $12.50 each, ensuring it fits your criteria. Volume Discounts: For organizations running over 300 checks annually, custom quotes can include potential discounts and additional third-party fees based on selected services. Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous criminal searches are available at $1.70 per individual per month, allowing you to maintain a vigilant screening strategy over time. This customization helps in making informed hiring decisions. Common Additional Costs to Consider When considering background checks, it’s crucial to be aware of the common supplementary costs that can arise, which may not be immediately apparent in the initial pricing. Many background check services charge third-party fees that vary depending on the specific checks requested and the jurisdictions involved. If you opt for continuous criminal searches, expect to pay around $1.70 per individual each month for ongoing monitoring. Although initial prices might seem low, services like BeenVerified and Spokeo often include hidden costs for detailed reports or extra search types, which can affect the final price. Furthermore, employment verification checks usually start at $12.50 each, quickly adding up if you’re verifying multiple candidates. Customizing your background check package to fit your organization’s needs may likewise lead to higher overall costs, especially if you add extra features or extensive search coverage. Always read the fine print to avoid unexpected expenses. Tips for Choosing the Right Background Check Provider Selecting the right background check provider is a significant step in guaranteeing a thorough and compliant screening process. To make an informed choice, consider the following: FCRA Compliance: Verify the provider adheres to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which regulates certain checks for employment or tenancy. This compliance is essential for legality. Turnaround Time: Assess how quickly you need the reports. Some providers offer expedited services, which can be critical in recruitment when time is of the essence. Customizable Packages: Look for options that allow you to tailor searches to your specific needs. This could include criminal records, employment history, or education verification. Additionally, check for transparent pricing structures to avoid hidden fees and review customer support options for timely assistance during the screening process. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best and Cheapest Background Check? When you’re looking for the best and cheapest background check, consider services like Spokeo or BeenVerified. Spokeo offers a monthly membership for $29.95, granting access to a variety of public records. Meanwhile, BeenVerified’s one-month membership costs $36.89, allowing for up to 100 reports. If you need more extensive checks, GoodHire’s Basic+ tier is $29.99 per report, providing crucial checks that balance affordability with necessary information for thorough evaluations. How Much Does a Background Check Normally Cost? A background check’s cost varies widely depending on what you’re looking for. Federal criminal searches start around $10, whereas county searches typically run about $25. Employment and education verifications usually begin at $12.50, and professional license checks cost around $12. For ongoing monitoring, continuous criminal searches are available for about $1.70 monthly per individual. Conclusion In conclusion, finding an affordable background check service is achievable with the right approach. Options like BeenVerified and GoodHire offer competitive pricing and crucial features. Always consider FCRA compliance for legal protection and look for customizable packages that fit your specific needs. By weighing additional costs and grasping what each service provides, you can make a well-informed decision. Prioritizing thoroughness and affordability guarantees you maintain a reliable screening process without overspending. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Affordable Options for Cheap Background Checks" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re in the market for affordable background checks, you’ll find plenty of options that won’t strain your budget. Services like BeenVerified and TruthFinder offer extensive features at competitive prices, whereas others like GoodHire guarantee compliance with legal standards. Comprehending what to look for in these services is essential, as it can save you time and money. Let’s explore the best options available and the key features that can help you make an informed choice. Key Takeaways Criminal background checks can start as low as $10 for federal and state searches, making them budget-friendly. Membership plans, like BeenVerified, offer unlimited reports for approximately $36.89 per month, ideal for frequent checks. Single searches from services like Spokeo provide access to public records and social media profiles for $29.95. Continuous monitoring services are available for about $1.70 per individual monthly, ensuring ongoing vigilance in screening. Always read the fine print for hidden fees and ensure services comply with FCRA regulations for accurate reporting. Overview of Affordable Background Check Services When you’re looking for affordable background check services, you’ll find a variety of options customized to fit different needs and budgets. Many services offer cheap background checks, with criminal searches starting from just $10 for federal and state checks. If you need ongoing access, membership plans like BeenVerified provide unlimited reports for around $36.89 per month. For casual users, Spokeo offers single searches at $29.95, giving you access to public records and social media profiles without high upfront costs. Organizations can benefit from GoodHire’s Basic+ tier, priced at $29.99 per report, allowing crucial checks without hefty commitments. Furthermore, for those interested in monitoring, continuous criminal search services are available at only $1.70 per individual monthly. You can even perform a background check using social security number for detailed insights. These options guarantee you have access to instant background check services that won’t break the bank. Key Features to Look For in Budget-Friendly Options Selecting the right budget-friendly background check service involves identifying key features that guarantee you receive quality insights without overspending. First, look for services offering thorough reports at competitive prices, such as federal criminal searches starting at $10 or employment verifications from $12.50. You should also seek providers that allow customizable packages, enabling you to tailor the background check with social security number options to your specific needs. Furthermore, consider membership plans that provide unlimited reports for a flat monthly fee, like BeenVerified, which offers numerous searches for about $36.89/month. Confirm the service complies with FCRA regulations, which protects against inaccuracies. Finally, evaluate customer service commitments; responsive support can greatly improve your experience. Some services even offer a 100 free background check trial, allowing you to test their offerings before committing financially. Prioritizing these features guarantees you get quality results without breaking the bank. Best People Search Sites for Inexpensive Background Checks When you’re looking for affordable background checks, several people search sites can offer budget-friendly options without sacrificing detail. TruthFinder stands out for its thorough reports, whereas Instant Checkmate provides unlimited searches for a flat fee, making it ideal for frequent users. Moreover, platforms like BeenVerified and Spokeo offer various membership plans that allow you to access multiple reports at reasonable prices, ensuring you only pay for the information you truly need. Budget-Friendly Search Options Finding budget-friendly options for background checks is essential, especially if you’re looking to gather important information without overspending. Here are some reliable services to take into account: Service Monthly Fee TruthFinder $30 Instant Checkmate Prices vary (unlimited searches) BeenVerified $36.89 Spokeo $29.95 Though you may not find a background check that’s actually for free, these options offer competitive rates. TruthFinder stands out for detailed reports, whereas BeenVerified thrives in budget-friendly searches, especially for vehicle information. Spokeo is another great choice for accessing public records and social media profiles. Evaluate your needs to choose the best service for your situation. Detailed Report Comparisons Several budget-friendly websites offer detailed reports for background checks, each with unique features that cater to different user needs. Here are three top contenders: TruthFinder: Known for its thorough reports, including personal assets and criminal records, it’s ideal for frequent users with monthly plans, but doesn’t offer one-off report options. BeenVerified: Offers a 1 Month Membership for $36.89, allowing access to up to 100 reports monthly. Nevertheless, its pricing can be confusing because of low-cost trials. Spokeo: At $29.95/month, this is a great choice for casual users looking for personal information and public records without breaking the bank. These sites excel in different areas, so choose based on your specific needs for background checks. FCRA-Compliant Background Screening at Competitive Prices A reliable background screening process is critical for employers and landlords to guarantee they make informed decisions about potential hires and tenants. FCRA-compliant services, like those offered by GoodHire, start at just $29.99 and include important features such as SSN traces and national criminal searches. For faster results, Checkr utilizes AI technology, allowing for quick turnaround times and transparent screening, making it an ideal choice for gig and marketplace companies. Backgrounds Online provides a range of FCRA-compliant options customized to specific industries, ensuring you can personalize your screening without facing hidden fees. Furthermore, you can validate candidate information affordably, with employment and education verifications starting at only $12.50 each. Customizable Packages for Tailored Background Checks In terms of background checks, customizable packages give you the flexibility to select specific products that align with your industry’s requirements. You can choose from various checks, such as criminal searches and employment verifications, ensuring a thorough assessment designed to your needs. Plus, with options for customized pricing based on your volume, you can find a solution that fits both your budget and your screening demands. Flexible Product Selection Customizing your background check packages offers a strategic advantage for organizations seeking to align their hiring processes with specific industry requirements. This flexibility allows you to select only what you need, enhancing efficiency and compliance. Here are three key benefits of flexible product selection: Tailored Screening: You can add specific products to meet unique industry needs, guaranteeing thorough evaluations. Increased Coverage: Opt for various search options to achieve a detailed assessment based on your requirements. Cost Management: By selecting only relevant searches, you effectively manage your background check costs as you maintain quality. With the ability to modify package components as regulations or organizational needs change, you can stay adaptive and guarantee your hiring process remains robust and compliant. Industry-Specific Requirements Understanding the unique needs of your industry is vital for implementing effective background checks that comply with relevant regulations and standards. Customizable packages enable you to tailor your background screening to guarantee thoroughness and compliance. You can choose from options like federal, state, or county criminal searches, along with employment and education verifications, creating a wide-ranging process that fits your hiring needs. If your organization requires ongoing monitoring, you can include continuous criminal searches for regular updates on employee backgrounds. Furthermore, if you hire globally, international reports can improve your package. Customizable search coverage allows you to specify jurisdictions and data types, making sure you obtain the most relevant and precise information for your industry. Customized Pricing Options As you explore background check options, you’ll find that many services offer customizable packages designed to meet your specific needs and industry requirements. This flexibility allows you to select services that align with your hiring practices. Here are three key aspects to take into account: Tailored Services: You can create a package that includes employment and education checks, starting from $12.50 each, ensuring it fits your criteria. Volume Discounts: For organizations running over 300 checks annually, custom quotes can include potential discounts and additional third-party fees based on selected services. Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous criminal searches are available at $1.70 per individual per month, allowing you to maintain a vigilant screening strategy over time. This customization helps in making informed hiring decisions. Common Additional Costs to Consider When considering background checks, it’s crucial to be aware of the common supplementary costs that can arise, which may not be immediately apparent in the initial pricing. Many background check services charge third-party fees that vary depending on the specific checks requested and the jurisdictions involved. If you opt for continuous criminal searches, expect to pay around $1.70 per individual each month for ongoing monitoring. Although initial prices might seem low, services like BeenVerified and Spokeo often include hidden costs for detailed reports or extra search types, which can affect the final price. Furthermore, employment verification checks usually start at $12.50 each, quickly adding up if you’re verifying multiple candidates. Customizing your background check package to fit your organization’s needs may likewise lead to higher overall costs, especially if you add extra features or extensive search coverage. Always read the fine print to avoid unexpected expenses. Tips for Choosing the Right Background Check Provider Selecting the right background check provider is a significant step in guaranteeing a thorough and compliant screening process. To make an informed choice, consider the following: FCRA Compliance: Verify the provider adheres to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which regulates certain checks for employment or tenancy. This compliance is essential for legality. Turnaround Time: Assess how quickly you need the reports. Some providers offer expedited services, which can be critical in recruitment when time is of the essence. Customizable Packages: Look for options that allow you to tailor searches to your specific needs. This could include criminal records, employment history, or education verification. Additionally, check for transparent pricing structures to avoid hidden fees and review customer support options for timely assistance during the screening process. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best and Cheapest Background Check? When you’re looking for the best and cheapest background check, consider services like Spokeo or BeenVerified. Spokeo offers a monthly membership for $29.95, granting access to a variety of public records. Meanwhile, BeenVerified’s one-month membership costs $36.89, allowing for up to 100 reports. If you need more extensive checks, GoodHire’s Basic+ tier is $29.99 per report, providing crucial checks that balance affordability with necessary information for thorough evaluations. How Much Does a Background Check Normally Cost? A background check’s cost varies widely depending on what you’re looking for. Federal criminal searches start around $10, whereas county searches typically run about $25. Employment and education verifications usually begin at $12.50, and professional license checks cost around $12. For ongoing monitoring, continuous criminal searches are available for about $1.70 monthly per individual. Conclusion In conclusion, finding an affordable background check service is achievable with the right approach. Options like BeenVerified and GoodHire offer competitive pricing and crucial features. Always consider FCRA compliance for legal protection and look for customizable packages that fit your specific needs. By weighing additional costs and grasping what each service provides, you can make a well-informed decision. Prioritizing thoroughness and affordability guarantees you maintain a reliable screening process without overspending. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Affordable Options for Cheap Background Checks" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Conspiracy theories are literally contagious. Recent research on misinformation and how it goes viral across social networks has revealed remarkable parallels to how diseases spread in populations. It’s all the more remarkable, then, that Tracy Letts’s Bug was tackling this topic 30 years. The psychological stage drama feels like a cautionary tale for our current moment, where facts bleed into false assumptions and produce toxic conclusions. Except the story here is decidedly pre-internet, centering on a nomadic Gulf War veteran and a substance-abusing cocktail waitress who develop a codependent relationship with deleterious results. The more time they spend alone together in a dingy Oklahoma motel room, the more they succumb to each other’s paranoid delusions. A revival of Bug starring Namir Smallwood and Carrie Coon as the central couple has been wowing audiences at Broadway’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre since early January. Its success is thanks in no small part to Smallwood and Coon’s electrifying chemistry, but it also speaks to the enduring relevance of the subject matter, underscoring how how many of the issues that society is dealing with in the age of QAnon, climate denialism, and AI-powered hoaxes aren’t entirely new. Bug also continues an impressive winning streak for Chicago’s storied Steppenwolf Theatre, where the current revival began life several years ago—and was derailed during its 2020 run by COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit theater has been something of a springboard for Chicago-to-New York transfers lately, with Broadway shows including Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, King James by Rajiv Joseph, Downstate by Bruce Norris, and Pass Over by Antoinette Nwandu all making the leap from Steppenwolf. Fast Company recently caught up with Smallwood, who discussed his approach to a character fraught with emotional disarray and paranoia. Bug concludes its run this weekend, after which Smallwood will be returning to Steppenwolf to work on Windfall, a new play by acclaimed playwright and Oscar-winning screenwriter Tarell Alvin McCraney. The following is an excerpt from our conversation, edited for length and clarity. What drew you to this material? I was asked to read the play by Anna Shapiro, who was the artistic director of Steppenwolf in 2018. When I read it, I was immediately floored. I’d heard of Bug, both the play and the [2006] film, but I’d never seen them. It just struck me as very pressing—this is something that is happening right now, conspiracy theories and the like. It was like it was written yesterday. There’s quite an emotional journey with this character. How do you approach a role like this? What was the process like thinking about this emotional journey that you were going to have to take every day on stage? For me, it always starts with the script. I knew that Peter Evans, the character, was based off of Timothy McVeigh of the Oklahoma City bombing. I started with that, and learning about the idea of these particular people being asexual, being loners, and just being very neat. Then I started doing some other research about Christopher Donner and John Muhammad, and started just really going down the rabbit hole of who these people are, what made these people do the things that they did. The through line with these three people is that something happened. They learned something, and they couldn’t unlearn it, and they tried to rectify whatever they could through whatever methods they thought were necessary. And going to Peter Evans, I had to really learn about the things that he was talking about in the script. Were they real? Yes, they were. And how did that connect with me as a Black man in America? I had to really learn how that affected people who looked like me. Were there changes to the script that were made to tailor it to your experiences as a Black actor and bringing that to the role? No changes at all. There was only one line that Tracy changed, where the character Goss says to [Carrie Coon’s character] Agnes, the original line was, “Who was that boy [over here last night]?” Instead of boy, he changed it to, “Who was that young fella? That was it. That was the only change. There are a lot of themes in this play. In addition to the conspiracy theory aspect of it, there’s substance abuse, there’s mental illness. There’s just a lot to grab onto from a thematic standpoint. Are there specific themes that you personally feel the audiences should be taking away from this? I think people should take away the fact that these are two lonely people who have found something within each other that they can hold onto. And there is a loneliness epidemic going on right now across the globe. We talk about the male loneliness epidemic, and it’s a real thing. So I think, yes, we’re living in a time of instant information, good or bad, true or false, contagion. We lived through a whole pandemic six short years ago. It must have been pretty wild doing this play and having it disrupted by COVID, given the subject matter. It was the craziest thing in the world. We were three days away from closing, and all of a sudden, March 12th, we have to shut everything down. The whole world is shut down—insane. Doing a play called Bug and being shut down by a bug. You can’t make this up. There’s a set change in this piece that to me that was heart-stopping, and I noticed the audience reaction to the set change. There were a lot of gasps on the night I saw it. Do they react that way every night, or are there different ways that they react? There were a few times in this production on Broadway, including yesterday, where the audience clapped during that change. Clapping for the set? Yes, clapping for the set. And it’s amazing. They did it in Chicago numerous times. There have been so many Steppenwolf-to-Broadway transfers in the last few years. What do you think that says about the state of theater in New York that we get so many of our great plays from elsewhere? There’s something about Steppenwolf—stuff that comes out of Chicago, but Steppenwolf in particular—where it’s very real. It’s very visceral and it’s not showy . . . People are actually living this stuff on stage in real time. The audiences go on a journey with these actors telling this story, and it’s almost immersive. And I think that maybe New York theater is kind of hungry for that kind of aesthetic: something that is like, “Oh my God. I haven’t seen anything like this before.” View the full article

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Fintech in AI search plays by much stricter rules. Because it’s a Your Money or Your Life category, products must clear higher verification thresholds before AI mentions you: Is your product legitimate? Are your fees and protections explicit? Do other trusted sources back up your claims? To find these answers, AI draws from your website and the wider web — including sources you don’t control. That risks misrepresentation of your brand. What matters, then, is whether those sources tell an accurate story. In this article, I’ll explain how to influence that narrative. Because the real goal is for your fintech brand to show up in AI search AND be represented accurately. 3 Types of AI Visibility in Fintech Your fintech brand can appear in AI search in three ways. Your goal is to show up in all three. Mentioned when AI explains topics in your category Cited and linked within the answers Recommended as part of a shortlist of products Brand Mentions Brand mentions are when AI systems include your name in an answer. They’re great for brand awareness. These references put your name in front of buyers even when they’re not seeking you out. For example, I asked ChatGPT: “Are buy now, pay later providers ideal for my business?” It mentioned several BNPL platforms in its response. This suggests the AI recognizes those brands as part of the category and relevant in the space. You’ll often see mentions as: Lists embedded inside explanations: “Popular BNPL providers include X, Y, Z…” Examples supporting a point: “Some neobanks, like X and Y, offer…” Context for user stories: “Many users switch from traditional banks to apps like X…” A mention isn’t a recommendation, but it still matters. Mentions often appear in non-brand queries. That’s when users begin exploring their options. And if they see your brand mentioned often, it builds familiarity. (Also known as the mere exposure effect.) So, by the time a user reaches the decision stage, they’re more likely to recognize your name. But sometimes that isn’t enough. That’s why having a positive brand sentiment is vital. The way AI mentions your brand can shape buyer perception. If it often frames your product as “known for strong security,” that idea sticks. But if the AI always pairs your name with warnings like “high fees” or “frequent outages,” it can raise doubts. Citations Citations are when the AI uses your pages to support its answer. They’re valuable for boosting credibility and consumer trust. When AI uses your content as a source, there’s an implied endorsement. It references you because you’re trustworthy. And when you’re consistently cited, your brand becomes associated with expertise in the topic. Citations may appear differently across platforms and prompts. Sometimes they appear as footnotes and/or as inline links. You might also see a sidebar or expandable panel with grouped sources. Other times, citations appear as thumbnails somewhere in the AI’s response. Regardless of format, the principle is the same: When the AI cites your documentation, it signals that your content is being treated as a reliable source. It’s pulling information from your pages to build its answer. And this allows you to influence how the AI explains your product. For example, I asked ChatGPT: “What reporting and analytics does Klarna offer brands after implementation?” Many of the citations came from Klarna’s documentation. This implies that Klarna has some level of influence over the AI’s answer. There’s a caveat with citations, however. LLMs might link to your site, but that doesn’t always mean more traffic. Citations are less visible than brand mentions or recommendations. I rarely click them myself. If I need more detail, I’ll usually continue the conversation within the platform. Or switch to Google search. That’s likely true for many users. Still, citations signal that AI systems trust your documentation. And that trust enables product recommendations, which we’ll cover next. Further reading: E-E-A-T in the AI Era: Complete Guide + Free Audit Product Recommendations Product recommendations are when AI includes your brand or product in a shortlist. They’re the most impactful type of AI visibility because they influence which brands users consider. And ultimately, which product they choose. Here’s what recommendations look like in ChatGPT and Google AI Mode. I asked: “Which BNPL platform is good for mid-size ecommerce brands?” Both listed Klarna as one of the top options. This places Klarna front and center as buyers narrow their options. Showing up in high-intent queries is vital for recommendations. These are prompts that include “top,” “best,” “compare,” or “alternative.” Such as: What are good alternatives to X for a small business What are the best budgeting apps for freelancers List the best neobanks with high-yield savings But showing up in these queries isn’t automatic. AI systems use specific signals to decide which brands to recommend. How LLMs Choose Which Fintech Brands to Feature AI acts as a filter between buyers and brands. So how do these systems decide which brands and products to recommend? From what we can observe, comes down to two signals: consensus and consistency. Consensus Consensus is when multiple reputable sources mention your brand and product. AI surfaces brands that have this kind of social proof — it suggests that you’re real, trustworthy, and worth recommending. The stronger the consensus, the more confident AI is in featuring you. But this cuts both ways. If sources consistently highlight negatives, AI may repeat those warnings instead. In fintech, AI systems likely assess consensus from several sources, including: Partner-bank and infrastructure disclosures Regulatory databases Personal finance publishers Finance communities and review platforms Partner sites Technical and investor communities So, a big part of AI optimization is showing up in the sources LLMs use to form consensus. The easiest way to identify those sources is to run brand-related prompts. Example: “Best banks for international transfers.” Then, check which sites appear in the citations. Those are the sources the AI model trusts. When these sites and reviews talk about your brand, it increases your chances of being mentioned by AI. Further reading: Read our search everywhere optimization guide for tips on building a positive brand reputation across platforms. Consistency It’s not enough for your brand to be mentioned everywhere. The sources also need to agree on the facts they’re sharing about you. That means the core details of your product align all over the internet, including your: Category Pricing and fees Product features Protections For example, I asked ChatGPT and Google AI Mode for “best budgeting apps.” Both recommended YNAB (You Need A Budget). That’s no surprise. YNAB appears in dozens of reputable sources, including Money, CNBC, NerdWallet, and Wirecutter. It’s also frequently mentioned in finance communities, such as myFICO Forum. These sources also highlight specific use cases: college students, goal-setting, and overall budgeting. These consistency signals help AI confidently recommend YNAB for those exact scenarios. Building consistency across platforms comes down to good ole PR and reputation management. Ensure your key details align across your site and third-party coverage. Working with publishers and affiliates will help you shape how your brand is described. Ultimately, consistency starts with content: what you publish and what others publish about you. 3 Types of Content That Dominate Fintech in AI Search LLMs will reference any public content they can access. In fintech, three types carry the most weight. 1. Owned Content Owned content is anything you publish and control on your own properties. This includes your website, documentation, and any branded platforms. AI analyzes these places for your version of the facts. That’s why content like “What does this product do?” or “How does it work?” is so essential. For example, I asked ChatGPT: “Compare ATM withdrawal limits, card spending caps, and international FX fees for Wise, Revolut, and Monzo.” Its answer cited many of the three brands’ pricing and product pages to build the comparison. This indicates the AI uses these pages to answer this query. For you, this means your website plays a big role in what AI says about your product. Treat your site as both a marketing and educational channel. Publish the product details that matter to buyers. Look at your sales conversations, support tickets, and comparison research to identify questions, concerns, and pain points. For example, Intuit’s TurboTax landing page includes extensive product details. It covers everything from security and guarantees to key tax filing information. This helps the AI (and users) understand what the product includes, how it works, and who it’s for. 2. Earned Media and Reviews Earned media and reviews are third-party perspectives on your product. This includes everything from editorial coverage to user feedback. LLMs use these sources to fact-check your claims. It’s also how they understand what it’s like to use your product. In fintech, third-party sources often include: Editorial guides and roundups by established finance sites such as Kiplinger and MarketWatch Affiliate and review platforms, including sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Community discussions on platforms such as Quora and finance forums like MoneySavingExpert For example, I asked ChatGPT: “What reporting and analytics does Klarna offer brands after implementation?” The citations included Klarna’s own documentation. Plus, sites such as print-on-demand platform Gelato, Forbes, and G2. That mix is worth noting. It shows the AI isn’t taking Klarna’s claims at face value. It’s cross-checking them against third-party evaluations. The takeaway here is to treat reputable third-party coverage as a core growth channel. One proven strategy: publish original research that journalists can cite. Take KPMG’s Pulse of Fintech H1 2025 Report, for example. Each edition generates media coverage across major sites like Bloomberg and Trinetix. This works because reporters are constantly hunting for newsworthy statistics. Other things you can do to increase earned mentions include: Fill out or update third-party listings you control, like app store profiles Co-author articles to earn mentions in trusted sources Synchronize PR, product, legal, and marketing so your brand story stays unified everywhere Further reading: LLM Seeding: A New SEO Strategy to Get Mentioned by LLMs 3. Official Records Official records are documents that confirm your legal authorization to operate. LLMs treat them as proof and confirmation of compliance and regulatory standing. The types of official records LLMs cite include: Regulatory registries and licenses Regulatory disclosures and notices Partner bank disclosures Corporate records These sources allow the AI to answer questions on legitimacy and protection. For example, I asked Perplexity: “Is Wise licensed to operate in the U.S., and what protections apply to Wise balances?” The citations included: A PDF consent order from six state financial regulators Wise’s National Trust application filed with the OCC The California DFPI’s regulated-entity page for Wise US, Inc. Along with Wise’s documentation, these give AI enough evidence to answer confidently. They confirmed that Wise: Operates in the U.S. Under specific entities And with the appropriate approvals and protections In fintech AI search, this kind of regulatory confirmation is a strong trust signal. It tells AI systems that your product is legitimate and safe to mention. This creates a real opportunity for you. AI systems can only cite what they can find, parse, and verify. Your job is to make your regulatory standing explicit, structured, and easy to retrieve. Start by naming your partner banks, custodians, and key infrastructure providers on your site. And keep those details up to date across your site. Publish key pages that AI systems can pull from, including: Regulatory and licensing: Clearly list your licenses, registration numbers, regulatory bodies, and jurisdictions where you operate Protection: Explain in plain language how funds are safeguarded, what insurance applies, and which entities custody assets Link to these pages from your footer and trust pages so AI bots can easily find them. How Fintech Brands Can Improve AI Search Visibility and Accuracy 54% of Americans now turn to ChatGPT for financial research, according to a Motley Fool Money study. That means buyers often get the “AI version” of your brand before they see your website. That’s actually good news. A Microsoft study found that AI traffic converts at 3x the rate of other channels. This includes search, direct, and social media. The catch? This only works in your favor if the model accurately describes your product. Here’s how to help it do that. Provide Proof That Your Brand Is Real and Trustworthy LLMs need proof they can validate before they include you in answers. So your trust details need to be public and clear across your owned platforms. One effective way to do this is with a dedicated section on your site. This can serve as your primary source of truth. Many fintech brands, like SoFi, do this with a “Trust & Security Center.” But a well-structured “Help Center” like Venmo’s works, too: Overall, make it easy for LLMs (and users) to find the facts that reduce perceived risk: Who holds the funds Who powers the product How the product works Reiterate the same trust details in related pages and sections of your site. Add them to your homepage, About page, and FAQ sections on service pages. Many fintech brands also include disclosures, like Member FDIC or partner bank language, in the footer. A keyword tool like Semrush’s Keyword Magic can help you find safety and trust concerns people have about your company. If they’re asking these questions on Google, you can bet they’re asking them in AI tools, too. How you format your content is crucial. Ensure it’s easy for AI to extract and cite: Use question-and-answer structures for common concerns Answer each question with a clear, direct, and quotable response Include facts and statistics when applicable Finally, treat data hygiene as a required part of your process. When a partner, protection, or operational flow changes, update the documentation immediately. Then clean up anything outdated. Redirect or remove old PDFs and help docs so AI only finds the current version. Further reading: Content Writing 101: How to Create High Quality Content Reduce Mixed Messages About Your Product Online Contradictions undermine AI’s trust in your brand. They break the consistency signal, making AI systems cautious about recommending you. But inconsistencies can easily happen over time. As your company evolves, public-facing information can become outdated. Older pages, screenshots, or explanations remain discoverable online. But AI systems can’t always determine which version is current. The good news is that you can fix this with a few focused actions. First, start where you have complete control: your own site. Ensure your core narrative, product details, and trust documentation are fully synchronized on all landing pages and trust hubs. SoFi does this well. Their “all-in-one” app positioning is reinforced throughout their site. As you update your site, have marketing, product, and compliance teams work together. This ensures consistency in promotional materials, regulatory disclosures, and product specs. Next, make sure that affiliate and “best-of” publishers accurately describe you. Affiliate sites and finance publishers are the most-cited sources in AI answers, according to the Semrush AI Visibility Index (December 2025). So, it’s worth checking what these sites are currently saying about you. (Especially on “best of” listicles, comparisons, and reviews.) To do this, research the questions people ask when evaluating your product. They’re usually formatted like this: Is [Brand X] legit [Brand Y] fees Can I trust [Brand Z] [Brand X] vs [Brand Y] Is [Brand X] safe Google’s People Also Ask and keyword tools let you find these questions. You can also use Semrush’s AI Visibility Toolkit to see what questions users ask LLMs about your industry. It tells you the exact prompts they use: Then, look at which pages and websites are often cited. If you’re using the AI Visibility Toolkit, it will pull these for you: Otherwise, manually search the questions you found in different generative engines. Click each source and scan for inconsistencies. If you find something wrong, reach out to the publisher for a correction or update. Make it easy for them to make changes by providing clear, publish-ready facts. Another vital step is monitoring (and participating in) online finance conversations. Forum and social media posts have a long shelf life. This can pose consistency problems for you as your company grows and your products change. Reddit, for example, rarely deletes old posts. So outdated answers can stay discoverable for years. Reduce the impact of outdated information by: Replying with a simple correction, especially in threads you see cited in AI engines Making sure your social media accounts repeat the correct version Announcing updates where people discuss your category It’s also worth being more present in communities that AI often cites. For example, Fidelity’s subreddit often shows up in Fidelity-related questions. If you manage or participate in spaces like this, you can influence the public record directly. Use our brand subreddit guide for tips on setting one up and growing your visibility. Manage Brand Perception and Sentiment AI systems assess how other sites talk about you. That public sentiment shapes the answers users get. For example, I asked ChatGPT: “Is PayPal safe?” It didn’t give a definitive “yes.” Instead, it used qualifying language like “generally considered” and “not perfect.” It also added important caveats and security considerations. Looking at the citations, you can see the sources that contributed to those caveats: Investopedia, comparing PayPal’s safety measures to credit cards Community discussions, such as r/privacy, where users debate PayPal’s risk profile Editorial sites and even some competitors like Wise outlining protections and limitations This means: How other sites describe you affects how AI describes you. That makes sentiment tracking vital. Set up regular AI search visibility audits for your brand. You can do this manually by monitoring different AI platforms. Start with the top two most used generative AI tools: ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews. Each month, run a consistent set of high-intent prompts related to your brand and category. Note the sentiment, including any differences between AI models. Look for patterns to assess whether your sentiment is positive, neutral, or negative: Regular positive framing Repeated warnings Recurring pros and cons Yes, doing this manually takes time. If you’d rather automate the process, use the AI Visibility Toolkit. For example, it provides your brand’s overall sentiment and share of voice. It breaks this down by platforms, including: Google AI Mode ChatGPT Perplexity Gemini You can also see how you stack up against your biggest fintech competitors. The Narrative Drivers tool is especially useful. It shows the exact questions people ask about your brand. And the percentage of favorable sentiment towards you in each answer. This makes it easy to see where you’re perceived positively or negatively at scale. Really cool. Make Your Fintech Brand Easy for AI to Trust AI is changing fintech in a number of ways. Most notably, a buyer’s first touchpoint is now often an AI-generated answer. If you’re not in those answers, you’re not in the decision. The fix: build consistency and consensus signals for your fintech brand. You already have a strong idea of how to do that. Now, dive deeper into the topic with our AI optimization guide. The post Fintech in AI Search: How to Be the Trusted & Featured Brand appeared first on Backlinko. View the full article

Don’t bring your mom or dad to an interview with Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary if you were planning on it. On a recent appearance on Fox Business’ Varney & Co., O’Leary argued that doing so—bringing parents to a job interview—sends a “horrific signal” to employers, and calls it a “big red flag.” “First question I’d have to the son or daughter, I’d say, ‘Do you want me to hire your mother or you? What’s she doing here?'” O’Leary said. “That résumé goes right into the garbage.” This isn’t simply a hypothetical situation. The data shows a not insignificant number of young jobseekers are tapping in parents throughout the hiring process to boost their odds—even if it ends up backfiring against them. In a survey conducted by Zety and Pollfish of roughly 1,000 Gen Z workers, 20% said a parent has joined them during a job interview. That included 15% who said this happened in person, and 5% virtually. One in five Gen Z workers said a parent has also reached out to an employer or recruiter on their behalf, according to Zety. Over 40% of Gen Z respondents said their parents helped them draft their résumé. O’Leary has experienced this firsthand. “It happened to me on a Zoom call, and I just said, this isn’t going to work,” he told Fox Business. “Your mom is not gonna be part of this discussion,” he said. This is an alarm bell, he said. “I want to find out if you can think independently, make decisions independently,” O’Leary said. “It just shows you that this person doesn’t have the confidence or ability to do the mandate that you’re offering them.” The entrepreneur also has some advice for other business leaders who might find themselves in a similar situation. “Just say: ‘Sorry. That’s not going to work for us,’” he said. “It means you can’t do this on your own. I think it’s a horrific signal—and I really think that parents that are overbearing like this think that they’re going to add value.” Millennials will recall facing similar accusations in their early careers. Besides the Zety survey, there’s additional data that suggests the number of Gen Z tapping in their parents for job interviews could be high, too. According to a 2025 study by Resume Templates, 77% of surveyed Gen Z job seekers have brought a parent along to a job interview. Some have even gotten them to negotiate pay raises and complete hiring tests on their behalf. But this isn’t solely a case of mollycoddling parents: Only 41% of young people said they were “highly confident” navigating the job market, according to a 2025 report from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and The Harris Poll. This is largely to do with a lack of professional mentorship as well as a highly-competitive job market that means each interview comes with increased pressure. Despite O’Leary’s warnings, however, most Gen Z workers are competent, independent workers who can ace an interview without the help of mom and dad: 80% of respondents to Zety’s survey said their parents had no involvement during interviews. Adding to that, over half of Gen Z respondents said they would feel “embarrassed or upset” if their parents reached out to their employer without their knowledge. View the full article