Background Checks: What Job Applicants and Employees Should Know (2024)

FAQs

What is the most common background check for employment? ›

Criminal record searches are the most common type of background check, but there are many to choose from. Failing to conduct background checks could result in damage to your company brand. The easiest way to conduct background checks is by Using a third-party service or background screening software.

Background checks reduce the risk of a negligent or bad hire and protect companies from liability lawsuits. They allow employers to make fully informed decisions with all the information necessary about an applicant's poor employment record or personal issues.

An employer may ask you for all sorts of background information, especially during the hiring process. For example, some employers may ask about your employment history, your education, your criminal record, your financial history, your medical history, or your use of online social media.

Criminal History Matters Most

Unlike other background check components, criminal history is often considered a more direct indicator of a candidate's character and judgment.

Background checks generally cover varying timeframes, such as seven to 10 years for criminal and federal checks, three to seven years for employment verifications, the highest degree earned for education verifications, three to 7 years for MVR checks, and seven years or longer for credit checks based on the position.

The background check includes the following records searches: Criminal Felony and Misdemeanor (past 7 years, all counties, aliases, and maiden names revealed by a social security number trace), National Sex Offender, National Criminal Search, Education (highest degree), and Employment (past 7 years or previous two ...

Some hiring managers do it themselves, reaching out directly (typically via phone) to your current or previous employers to request official verification. Alternatively, employers may use professional background screening firms and/or an employment verification service such as The Work Number® from Equifax.

Background checks include checking some or all of the following for a job applicant: verifying identity, criminal background check, credit report, educational, certification, and credential verification, motor vehicle records, E-Verify confirmation, and fingerprint checks with the FBI.

Satisfactory Background Screening means, collectively (1) a national federal criminal database check; (2) a seven-year county of residence criminal conviction search; and (3) in each of (1) and (2) above, a screening result which contains no felony or misdemeanor conviction that related to fraud or theft (including but ...

What is important in background check? ›

Among other things, a background check can uncover information about an individual, such as employment history, criminal records, credit history and more.

A failed background check is any employee screening that uncovers issues that may hinder on-the-job performance or put the company at risk. A candidate can fail a background check for numerous reasons, such as a criminal record or inconsistencies on their resume.

Upon offering you a job, the employer may then conduct a criminal history check on you. However, under the law, the employer is not allowed to withdraw the job offer without conducting an individualized assessment about your criminal conviction history.

Common questions asked include confirming your employment dates, job responsibilities, strengths and weaknesses, work quality, and eligibility for rehire. Legally, past employers can only provide objective facts, not subjective opinions. Ensure your references are prepared to respond professionally.

The most common background screening products for employment background screening include: SSN Verification and Address History, Criminal Records, Civil Records, Professional/Resume Verifications, Drug and Alcohol Testing, and Medical Registries and Sanctions.

What percent of people fail background checks? According to the Sterling Talent Solutions' Background Screening Trends & Best Practices Report, most employers only disqualify 5% or less of applicants based on past criminal convictions.

The time it takes to perform an employment background check ranges from a few minutes to five business days. It may take longer if the background check requires manual searches or cooperation from other organizations, such as professional license certifications, universities, and previous employers.