What Does a Background Check Show?

If you’ve ever been asked to undergo a background check as part of a job application or during your employment, you might have felt a bit of anxiety. What exactly are they looking for and what will your background check show?

Employers typically use background checks to confirm the information you’ve shared, verify your qualifications, and/or ensure you’re a good fit for the role. Sometimes, employers are required by law to run background checks.

Here are common background topics employers typically check:

Criminal History

• What It Shows: Felony and misdemeanor convictions, arrests (in some states), pending charges, and sex offender registry status.
• Why Employers Look: To assess whether an applicant poses a risk to the workplace or customers. For example, a theft conviction might raise concerns for a role involving cash handling.
• Legal Note: Some states have laws limiting how far back employers can look or whether they can consider non-convictions.

Employment History

• What It Shows: Past employers, job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving (if disclosed by references).
• Why Employers Look: To confirm that your resume accurately reflects your work history and experience.
• Tip: Be honest about your work history to avoid discrepancies. It will be discovered if your employer digs deeper.

Education Verification

• What It Shows: Degrees earned, dates of attendance, and certifications obtained.
• Why Employers Look: To ensure you meet the educational requirements of the job.
• Common Issues: Some employees lie about their education and/or certifications. This can lead to disqualification or termination.

Credit History

• What It Shows: Credit reports, including debts, payment history, and bankruptcies.
• Why Employers Look: For roles involving financial responsibility, such as accounting or banking, a good credit history may indicate reliability.
• Legal Note: Some states restrict the use of credit checks unless directly related to the job.

Driving Records

• What It Shows: Traffic violations, license suspensions, and DUIs.
• Why Employers Look: If driving is part of the job, such as delivery services or commercial trucking, employers look for a good driving record.

Drug Testing Results

• What It Shows: Results of pre-employment or random drug tests.
• Why Employers Look: The employer is looking to maintain a safe and compliant workplace. This is especially the case in industries like healthcare or transportation.
• Legal Note: If the legal drug use is not interfering with employment, you may be protected.

Social Media and Online Presence

• What It Shows: Public social media profiles and online activity.
• Why Employers Look: The employer is looking to evaluate character and professionalism. However, employers must avoid violating privacy laws or discriminating based on protected traits.
• Tips: Review your social media accounts and ensure your public posts reflect a professional image.

Professional Licenses

• What It Shows: Validity and standing of professional licenses or certifications (e.g., nursing, law, teaching).
• Why Employers Look: The employer is looking for compliance with industry regulations and standards.

What Background Checks Typically Do Not Show

While background checks can reveal a lot, there are limits:

• Medical Records: Employers cannot access your medical history without your consent under federal law.
• Bank Account Details: Personal financial account information is not included in credit checks.
• Protected Characteristics: Information about race, religion, gender, or other protected traits is not part of a background check.

How to Prepare for a Background Check

Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Review Your Records: Check your credit report, driving record, and any public criminal records to ensure accuracy.
2. Be Transparent: Disclose any potential red flags during the interview process, such as a gap in employment or a past conviction.
3. Correct Errors: If you find inaccuracies in your records, correct them before the background check.
4. Understand Your Rights: Employers must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other applicable laws. This includes obtaining your consent, providing you with a copy of the report if adverse action is taken, and giving you an opportunity to dispute inaccuracies.

What If Something Bad Shows Up?

If a background check reveals something that could impact your employment, such as a criminal record or a credit issue, employers are required to:

1. Inform You: You must be notified in writing before they take adverse action (e.g., not hiring you).
2. Provide the Report: You’ll receive a copy of the background check and information about your rights.
3. Allow Disputes: You have the right to dispute any inaccuracies and explain your side.

Conclusion

Background checks show employers criminal records, employment verification, education history, and more. Knowing what information a background check shows can help you prepare and address any potential concerns. Remember, as an employee, you have rights throughout the background check process, including the right to consent, review, and dispute.

See Also:

• Do You Have To Tell Your Employer About A DUI?
• Can Your Employer Look At Your Text Messages?

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It provides general information and is not intended and should not be construed as professional advice. The author is not your attorney, accountant, financial planner or any other professional and no professional-client relationship is created. We do not represent that the information provided is accurate or up-to-date as laws and regulations are always changing. If you have an issue that requires professional help, you should contact the appropriate professional to help you on your specific set of facts. Please read the Terms and Conditions for additional information.