Background checks have become an important tool for employers worldwide. Among the various types of checks, employment history verification stands out as a key component for ensuring that candidates have been truthful about their professional experience. At Global Background Screening™, we provide employers an easy way to order employer history checks in over 150 countries.
Does a Background Check Show Employment History?
Yes, a background check can show employment history, but the details depend on the type of check ordered. Employment background checks can confirm past employers, job titles, dates of employment, and even reasons for leaving in some cases. The depth of the check depends on what an employer requests.
Common Types of Employment History Checks:
Verification of Past Employer Only: This is the most common type, confirming the name of the company, the job title, and the dates of employment.
Seven-Year Employment History: Employers may request a detailed review of all positions held in the past seven years.
Ten-Year Employment History: This is typically required for executive-level positions or industries with strict regulations, such as finance or transportation.
Key GBS Insight: About 92% of executive background checks include verification of past employers. (According our background screening data from 2021 - 2025)
What Information Is Verified on Employment Verifications?
Our employment background checks can include:
Employer names
Job titles
Dates of employment
Salary verification (when permissible)
Reasons for leaving (if available)
Why Is Employment History Verification Important?
Employment history verification ensures:
Accuracy: Confirming that candidates have the experience they claim.
Risk Reduction: Identifying red flags, such as fake job titles or employment gaps.
Compliance: Meeting industry regulations, especially in sectors like healthcare, government, transportation, or financial services.
According to our 2021 background screening data, demand for employment history verification has increased by 26% on international applicatns and 15% for USA applicants. This trend reflects the growing importance of vetting candidates thoroughly.
How Employers Order Background Checks
Different companies require different levels of detail based on their industry and position requirements:
Small Businesses:
Typically verify the most recent employer.
Focus on confirming job titles and dates.
Corporate Employers:
Often require a seven-year to ten-year employment history.
May also request additional checks, such as education verification, criminal check, civil records, or reference checks.
Highly Regulated Industries:
Require up to 10 years of employment history.
May include detailed reviews of reasons for leaving and performance records.
Ordering an Employment Background Check
Global Background Screening™ offers a seamless platform for ordering employment background checks. Here’s how it works:
Select Your Service: Choose from our customizable options to fit your needs.
Submit Candidate Information: Provide the required details for verification.
Receive Results Quickly: Most checks are completed within 2-5 business days.
We offer no setup fees, and you can order employment background checks anytime.
How Is Employment History Verified?
Employment history verifications involve multiple methods to ensure accuracy and reliability:
Contacting HR Departments: The most common method involves reaching out directly to the human resources departments of previous employers to confirm the candidate’s job title, dates of employment, and any other relevant details.
Speaking with Supervisors: In some cases, supervisors or managers may be contacted to verify the candidate’s performance and reasons for leaving.
Third-Party Verification: GBS may utilize third-party services, such as payroll companies, to cross-check employment details.
Employee Credit History: Occasionally, credit reports may provide information about past employers when available and permissible.
Verification for Self-Employed Individuals: For self-employed candidates, the verification process may involve confirming the good standing and active status of their business entity, as well as the date it was formed.
For additional business entity verification, Global Background Screening offers Business Credit Reports to ensure the entity is registered and compliant with regulations.
Global Background Screening Statistical Insights
25% Increase Globally: Demand for employment verification services rose by 25% in 2021, reflecting heightened employer focus on accurate hiring.
92% of Executive Checks: Include employment verification, underscoring its importance for leadership roles.
High Risk for Misrepresentation: According to a CareerBuilder survey found that 75% percent of human resource managers (those who typically review resumes before passing on to a hiring manager) have caught a lie on a resume.
High-Quality Resources for Employers
For more insights into employment background checks, visit authoritative sources such as:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Learn about compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Read more.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): Discover best practices for employment background checks. Learn more.
