How does background check work when you apply for a job? Certain interview and hiring procedures involve several stages before a company extends a job offer. Conducting a background check is a typical practice that can prolong the overall hiring timeline.
Numerous employers ask for pertinent personal details for a background check before extending a job offer, making it essential to comprehend this procedure. In this article, we clarify the purposes of background checks, outline the steps that follow a background check, and provide advice on what to do as you await the results of your background check.
What is a background check?
A background check is a process that allows an individual or organization to confirm your identity. Employers frequently request background checks during the hiring process to ensure you won’t pose a risk to their company. Both law enforcement agencies and private firms conduct background checks.
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Typically, background checks offer details about a person’s educational qualifications, work history, criminal background, and other past activities. While there are various specific kinds of background checks, such as criminal and credit investigations, employment background checks are the most common. There is a significant likelihood that you will experience one during your career.
As noted previously, there are inherent risks involved in selecting the right candidates to ensure your business thrives. Since considerable resources are dedicated to the future of your organization, it is crucial to perform due diligence to guarantee that only trustworthy candidates join your team.
How Employers Do Background Checks When You Apply for a Job
When you apply for a job, most employers will conduct a background check to verify the information you’ve provided and to assess any potential risks. This process varies depending on the employer, the industry, and the specific role, but generally includes several key steps.
1. Obtaining Your Permission
Before conducting a background check, employers are legally required (in most countries, including the U.S.) to get your written consent. This is typically part of the job application process or during the final hiring stages. Without your permission, they cannot access many types of personal information.
2. Identity Verification
Employers will first confirm your identity to ensure you are who you say you are. They might;
- Verify your name
- date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN) or equivalent
- Check government-issued identification
- Use third-party services to match your records
3. Employment History Verification
Employers will often contact your previous employers or use third-party services to confirm;
- Job titles
- Dates of employment
- Reasons for leaving
- Job performance (if references are provided)
Some companies may also ask for letters of recommendation or speak directly with listed references.
4. Education Verification
Employers may check;
- Degrees obtained
- Schools attended
- Dates of attendance
This is especially common for roles that require specific credentials or qualifications.
5. Criminal Background Check
Many employers conduct criminal background checks, particularly in industries like finance, healthcare, government, and childcare. They may look for;
- Arrests and convictions
- Pending charges
- Sex offender registry status
Note; What an employer can legally consider depends on local laws. In some jurisdictions, employers can’t consider arrests without convictions, or criminal history older than a certain number of years.
6. Credit Checks
Some employers (especially in financial roles) may check your credit report. This helps them assess how you handle financial responsibility. They must get your explicit permission before doing this, and a poor credit history doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but it may raise concerns.
7. Social Media and Online Presence
While not a formal part of a background check, many employers review your public online presence;
- Social media accounts (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
- Blogs or websites you’ve created
- Comments or posts you’ve made publicly
They may look for professionalism, behaviour, and signs that you could be a liability or misrepresent the company.
8. Drug Testing
Depending on the industry, location, or specific employer policies, you may be asked to take a drug test as part of the background check process.
9. Driving Records
If the job involves operating vehicles, employers may check your driving history for;
- License validity
- Traffic violations
- DUIs or suspensions
10. Professional License or Certification Verification
For regulated professions (like nurses, lawyers, engineers), employers will confirm that your licenses are valid and up to date, and check for any disciplinary actions.
When is a background check necessary?
A background check for employment typically happens when you submit a job application or during the interview stage, although employers can initiate background checks at any time throughout an employee’s career.
Background checks are often conducted towards the end of the hiring process. Some employers may extend a job offer that is dependent on successfully passing a background check or require you to provide a background check as the final step of your onboarding.
This emphasizes the importance of being honest about your history when filling out a job application or participating in an interview. Certain roles necessitate background checks regardless of the individual’s identity. Individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children, including teachers, and those in positions requiring high-level security clearance, must undergo industry-standard background checks prior to starting their jobs.
Why an Employee Background Check Is Important
While the primary purpose of performing a background check is to ensure that you select the right candidate for open roles, it is equally important for safeguarding your business against individuals who may exhibit reckless behaviour or indications of fraud. A thorough employee background check can reveal insights about a candidate’s potential to fit within the company culture and any associated risks.
Conducting an employee background check can also assist in confirming the accuracy of information candidates provide on their resumes or during interviews. Regrettably, it is quite common for candidates to exaggerate or misrepresent their accomplishments, leading to a growing need for background checks.
Furthermore, adhering to state and federal regulations is another motivation for conducting employment verification checks. While this may vary by industry and might apply only to certain roles, performing background checks demonstrates that you have fulfilled your obligations throughout the hiring process. In the end, background checks can enhance workplace safety, thereby protecting your employees.
What does a background check show?
Employers have the ability to request a background check to view any of the following;
- Work history
- Educational credentials
- Credit history
- Motor vehicle reports
- Criminal record
- Medical history
- Social media use
- Drug screenings
Any issues identified in the background check may act as warning signs for employers. Nevertheless, it’s essential to understand that typically, employers cannot seek details older than 10 years.
Certain professions that need specific clearance may require additional information. For instance, if you are seeking a position in the finance sector, your prospective employer may ask for details to confirm your pertinent certifications or review your personal financial background.
What happens after a background check for a job?
Once a background check is completed, employers utilize the information obtained to make well-informed choices about extending an invitation for you to join their team. They will scrutinize the details, searching for any red flags or discrepancies by cross-referencing it with your resume information.
When you are undergoing a background check during the hiring process, it often indicates that the employer has a certain degree of interest in you as a potential candidate. They aim to confirm the accuracy of your notable qualifications, experiences, and certifications to ensure you will be an excellent match for the position. If your background check yields no issues and you satisfy the employer’s criteria, you might qualify to receive a job offer.
How long after a background check can you expect an offer?
Different companies utilize various methods for conducting background checks. This indicates that the waiting period between submitting your details and receiving a response can differ based on the organization, their hiring methods, and the job for which you have applied.
Certain specialized roles necessitate more extensive and thorough background checks, whereas others may only need simpler checks. Additionally, if the background check process involves other verification steps, like drug tests, it can extend your waiting time.
A background check can take anywhere from two to five days, and after that, a hiring manager may need several days to review the information and reach a final decision regarding your application. Moreover, preparing offer letters can be a lengthy process that might delay the hiring timeline by a few days. Consequently, the complete background check process generally spans from one to two weeks.
Does getting a background check mean you’re hired?
Receiving a request for a background check does not guarantee that you have been offered the position you applied for. Although a background check suggests that you are close to the conclusion of the interview process, hiring managers might conduct checks on multiple candidates at the same time.
Furthermore, hiring managers often utilize the findings from the background check process to make their final hiring decisions. Since it’s usually impossible for you to know how many other applicants are being considered for the same job, it’s wise not to assume that a request for a background check indicates you have secured the position.
In addition, as previously mentioned, many job offers are contingent upon successfully passing a background check. Therefore, even if you receive an offer before the background check is initiated, you must still pass it in order to be officially hired. This means that you cannot be completely certain of your employment until after the background check has been completed and reviewed.
Where Can I Get a Background Check?
You can get a background check from various sources, depending on your purpose (e.g., employment, housing, personal review, etc.). Here’s a breakdown of where you can get a background check;
1. Background Check Companies (Consumer Reporting Agencies)
These are private companies that specialize in conducting professional background checks. They’re commonly used by employers, landlords, and individuals.
Popular Services;
- Checkr (commonly used by employers)
- GoodHire
- Sterling
- HireRight
- TruthFinder (used for personal checks)
- Intelius
- BeenVerified
- PeopleFinders
What They Can Provide;
- Employment verification
- Criminal record checks
- Education verification
- Identity checks
- Credit checks (with consent)
- Driving records
Note; Some of these are for personal use only (e.g., TruthFinder), not compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) for employment purposes.
2. Government Agencies
Depending on your country or region, official background checks can be obtained through government databases.
In the United States;
- FBI Background Check (via fingerprinting – useful for immigration, visas, etc.)
- State Police or Department of Justice websites (e.g., California DOJ)
- Local County Clerk’s Office or Court Records (for criminal checks)
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) (for driving records)
- Credit Report; Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for a free, legal credit report.
3. Third-Party Job Platforms
Some freelance or gig economy platforms run background checks when you apply;
- Uber, Lyft, DoorDash – use Checkr
- Upwork – offers optional ID and background verification
- Care.com – offers background check services for caregivers
4. DIY Options (For Personal Checks)
If you want to check your own background before applying somewhere;
- Order your criminal record from your state DOJ or police
- Get your credit report
- Search your name online to audit your public digital presence
- Verify your education or license with your school or licensing body
Important Legal Notes
- For employment purposes, only use FCRA-compliant background check companies.
- You must have written consent from the individual if you’re running a check on someone else for hiring, renting, etc.
- Always check local laws; background check rules vary by country and state.
Tips for waiting on your background check
Here are some actions you can take to calm your nerves and stay engaged while you await the results of a background check;
- Be patient
- Do your own research
- Clean up your social media
- Remain in contact
- Reassure yourself
Final Notes
Timeframe – A background check typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on its complexity and how quickly information can be verified.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Compliance (U.S.) – If a third-party agency is used for the check, and something in the report negatively impacts your application, the employer must notify you and give you a chance to dispute the findings.
