Employers rely heavily on background checks to ensure they make informed hiring decisions. Background checks provide a comprehensive view of a candidate’s past, helping employers verify the accuracy of the information provided and assess potential risks. This article explores what employers typically look for in a background check, including criminal history, employment verification, social media activity, and more. For those interested in conducting a personal background check, whether in the USA or internationally, you can order through our platform now.
Criminal Records Check
Why It Matters
Criminal record checks are a fundamental part of most background checks. Employers want to know if a candidate has any felony convictions, misdemeanors, or sex offender status that could pose a risk to the company, its employees, or its customers. In some states, such as Florida, employers are legally required to conduct state- and national-level criminal record checks for certain positions, especially those involving vulnerable populations.
What Employers Look For
Felony Convictions: Serious crimes that can indicate potential risk.
Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses that still provide insight into a candidate's past behavior.
Sex Offender Status: Crucial for positions involving contact with vulnerable groups.
Employment History Check
Importance of Verification
Employers often use background checks to verify the accuracy of a candidate's employment history. This includes checking the dates of employment, positions held, and reasons for leaving previous jobs. Accurate employment history helps employers understand a candidate's experience and reliability.
What Employers Look For
Employment Dates: Verification of the timeframe the candidate worked at previous jobs.
Positions Held: Confirmation of the roles and responsibilities previously managed.
Gaps in Employment: Identifying unexplained periods of unemployment that may require further clarification.
Professional Licenses and Certifications
Verification of Credentials
For positions requiring specialized training or certifications, employers need to verify the legitimacy of a candidate’s professional licenses. This is especially important in fields such as healthcare, finance, and law, where specific credentials are legally required.
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What Employers Look For when ordering Professional License Checks
License Validity: Ensuring the license is current and in good standing.
Certification Authenticity: Confirming the certification was legitimately earned from a recognized institution
Credit History Check
Assessing Financial Responsibility
In industries such as finance, banking, and accounting, employers may use credit history checks to assess a candidate’s financial responsibility and trustworthiness. However, the use of credit checks in hiring is heavily regulated and prohibited in some states.
What Employers Look For, when ordering Credit Checks
Liens & Collections: Indicating overall financial health and reliability.
Debt Levels: Understanding the candidate's financial obligations and management.
Bankruptcies: Identifying past financial difficulties that might impact job performance.
Driving Record Check
Importance for Driving Roles
For roles involving the use of company vehicles or driving on behalf of the employer, a driving record check is essential. This check reveals any traffic violations, DUIs, or other driving-related issues that could affect safety and liability.
What Employers Look For, When requesting a Motor Vehicle Report
Traffic Violations: Identifying patterns of reckless or unsafe driving.
DUIs: Assessing risk related to substance abuse while driving.
License Status: Ensuring the candidate has a valid driver’s license.
Education History Check
Verifying Academic Credentials
Employers also verify a candidate’s education history to confirm they have the degrees or certifications claimed on their resume. This includes checking the authenticity of any degrees earned.
What Employers Look
Degree Confirmation: Verifying the candidate has earned the stated degree.
Institution Attendance: Ensuring the candidate attended the educational institution as claimed.
Certification Verification: Confirming the legitimacy of any additional certifications and degrees.
Social Media Activity
Assessing Character and Fit
In the digital age, employers often review a candidate’s social media profiles to gain insights into their character and personal behavior. This can help employers identify any red flags that might not be evident through traditional background checks.
What Employers Look For during a Social Media Background Check
Professionalism: Assessing if the candidate’s online presence aligns with the company’s values.
Inappropriate Content: Identifying any content that might reflect poorly on the candidate or company.
Cultural Fit: Understanding the candidate’s interests and how they might fit within the company culture.
Inconsistencies in Provided Information
Ensuring Honesty
Employers look for inconsistencies between the information provided by the candidate and what is discovered during the background check. Discrepancies can raise concerns about the candidate’s honesty and reliability.
What Employers Look For
Resume Accuracy: Ensuring the resume reflects the candidate’s true work history and qualifications.
Application Details: Verifying the accuracy of information provided during the application process.
Interview Consistency: Checking that the information shared during interviews matches the background check findings.
Conducting Personal Background Checks
Available Services
For individuals interested in conducting a personal background check in the USA or over 160 countries, our platform offers comprehensive services. This can help you understand what employers will see and address any potential issues proactively.
Order Now
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Frequently Asked Questions for Employees
Can an employer conduct a background check without my consent?
No, employers are not legally allowed to conduct a background check without your written consent. Contact an FCRA lawyer if you believe an employer conducted a background check without your consent.
Will a background check show expunged or sealed records?
Generally, expunged or sealed records should not appear in a background check. However, it’s important to verify the specifics based on the state laws and the background check service used. Verify what an employer would view by ordering a background check on yourself.
Can an employer deny me a job based on information found in a background check?
Yes, if the information found is relevant to the job requirements and poses a potential risk, an employer can deny employment based on background check results. Employers must abide by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and provide initiate the adverse action process if you're being denied a job based on information found in a background check.
Can I dispute inaccurate information on a background check?
Absolutely. If you find inaccuracies in your background check, you should contact the relevant organizations or the background check provider to correct the information.
Trust Global Background Screening
Background checks are a critical part of the hiring process, providing employers with essential information to make informed decisions. By understanding what employers look for in a background check, candidates can better prepare and present themselves accurately and honestly.
Whether you need a background check in the USA or internationally, our platform offers reliable services to meet your needs. Order your background check today and ensure you’re ready for your next opportunity.
