What causes a red flag on a background check? There are plenty of reasons a person may not pass a background check, including criminal history, education discrepancies, poor credit history, damaged driving record, false employment history, and a failed drug test.
Generally speaking, a background check for employment may show identity verification, employment verification, credit history, driver's history, criminal records, education confirmation, and more.
If there is a felony on your criminal record, it could be a red flag for employers. A history of violent crimes, sexual offenses, robberies, or serious drug offenses can make it difficult to pass a background check. However, it can still be possible to get a job even if you have a criminal history.
An employer might check on information such as your work history, credit, driving records, criminal records, vehicle registration, court records, compensation, bankruptcy, medical records, references, property ownership, drug test results, military records, and sex offender information.
Why You Should Care About Background Checks? Background checks uncover a lot, and a less than stellar history might make you anxious. Another concern may be an inaccurate background check, especially if this has been an issue in the past. These issues are a concern for anyone in the market for a new job.
If a candidate's criminal history is limited to one state, or one home country, then the check can take one to two business days. However, verifying international records takes much longer. If the candidate has emigrated or worked in different countries, this process can stretch up to, or past, 20 days.
In general, background checks for employment typically cover seven years of criminal and court records, but may go back further depending on federal and state laws and what is being searched.
There are plenty of reasons a person may not pass a background check, including criminal history, education discrepancies, poor credit history, damaged driving record, false employment history, and a failed drug test. We explore each of these reasons here—some are definitely more problematic than others.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provides you with the following rights: Potential employers must notify you if a background check is the reason you didn't receive a job offer. You must receive a copy of your background check if you request one.
Basic checks take up to 14 days. Enhanced and standard checks usually take around 8 weeks. It may take shorter or longer, depending on: the type of check.
One reason for this is that an employer may choose to request a background check for multiple potential hires. The findings from your background check may also influence whether an employer extends an offer to you. If you've already received a job offer, your eventual hiring may depend on your background check.
Most employers won't look at misdemeanor offenses or older convictions as deal breakers, Violent criminals, sex offenders, notorious repeat offenders, or embezzlers are just a few of the groups that will repeatedly lose job offers due to criminal history background checks.
What Are Turnaround Times for Criminal Background Checks? A criminal background check generally takes between one to three business days, but can be returned much faster depending on the database that is being search, such as the National Criminal Database.
When it comes to background checks, “no news is good news.” Unfortunately, chances are that from time to time you will be alerted to something that has shown up in one of your employee's background checks.
HireRight reports that HR background checks commonly include identity verification, job history, criminal history, motor vehicle records, educational attainment, certifications and licenses. Much of this information is used to fact-check a job applicant's resume.
Usually, failing an employment screening will mean that you need to find a different job. An offense or red flag that leads to disqualification from one hiring process might not have the same impact everywhere. Some employers are more lenient and are willing to give candidates second chances.
Federal law does not prohibit employers from conducting background checks before an offer of employment is made. State laws, however, may have restrictions. Although in most states a standard background check can be conducted prior to an offer, a small number of states do not allow it.
Criminal Background Checks
Most savvy employers run criminal background checks as part of their hiring process. Performing a criminal background check online is crucial to avoid taking on unnecessary risks with a new hire.
GoodHire provides the most detailed reporting among all background check services—access comprehensive reports like federal, state, and global courts, plus add-on reports such as healthcare sanctions, professional license verification, and reference checks.