Corra Group Urges Employers to Look Beyond the Costume During Halloween Hiring

Background screening tailored to job responsibilities can help employers make informed hiring decisions for seasonal retail, entertainment, event, and temporary positions.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Halloween approaches, retailers, haunted attractions, entertainment venues, and event organizers are preparing for a seasonal surge in staffing needs. With hiring timelines compressed and positions often temporary, employers may face pressure to fill roles quickly. Corra Group, a background screening and employment services provider, is encouraging companies to consider not just how long a person will work, but what that person will be responsible for while on the job.

Temporary employees can have access to merchandise, cash, customer information, restricted areas, vehicles, and members of the public. Depending on the position, workers may also interact directly with children or other vulnerable populations. The length of an assignment alone does not determine the level of screening appropriate for the role.

"Seasonal hiring creates real operational demands, but speed should not replace sound hiring practices," said Nick Gustavson, Co-Founder and President of Corra Group. "An employee hired for a few weeks may still have access to valuable inventory, sensitive information, or customers who depend on the organization to provide a safe and professional environment. Employers should evaluate the responsibilities of each position and determine what screening is appropriate before making a hiring decision."

Match Screening to the Role

A one-size-fits-all approach may not address the different responsibilities found across seasonal workforces. Employers can start by identifying the access, duties, and potential risks associated with each position. Corra Group offers a range of employment screening services, including criminal background checks, social media screening, drug testing, sex offender registry searches, and motor vehicle records, to help employers make informed hiring decisions based on the needs of each role. Examples include:

• Retail and costume shops: Positions involving cash handling, merchandise, inventory, or customer information may warrant screening appropriate to those responsibilities.
• Haunted attractions and entertainment venues: Employers should consider the duties of performers, guest-facing staff, backstage personnel, and workers with access to restricted areas.
• Halloween events and temporary event staff: Screening considerations may differ for general event support, security-sensitive assignments, and positions involving direct responsibility for children.
• Driving and transportation roles: When driving is an essential job responsibility, an appropriate motor vehicle record review may be relevant to the position.
• Child-facing roles: Positions involving supervision, caregiving, or direct responsibility for children may require additional screening based on applicable laws, the setting, and the duties involved.

The objective is not to subject every seasonal worker to the same battery of checks. It is to establish a screening process that reflects the position, follows applicable requirements, and supports consistent, informed employment decisions.

Employers should establish screening requirements before recruiting, communicate expectations clearly, and allow adequate time for results and follow-up. Background reports should be reviewed in context, with applicable FCRA and state and local requirements guiding employment decisions.

"Even for a short-term hire, screening deserves a thoughtful process. It's about making informed decisions, not assumptions, while protecting the workforce, customers, and business," Gustavson added.

Corra Group provides background checks and employment screening services to help organizations evaluate candidates for a range of positions and industries. Employers preparing for seasonal hiring can review their staffing plans and screening requirements before the busiest part of the season begins.

About Corra Group

Corra Group is a full-service background screening and corporate research company providing employment screening, drug testing, due diligence, and investigative services to organizations across multiple industries, including media and entertainment, transportation, healthcare, financial services, and more. Based in the Los Angeles area, Corra Group is known for responsive customer service, customized screening solutions, and industry-specific expertise.

SOURCE Corra Group