What Does an Employment Background Check Show?- 20 Dec

Employers are increasingly using background checks to assess potential job candidates. A background check is a process that looks into an individual’s criminal, financial, and even personal history information. Hiring a new employee can be risky, so employers use background checks to evaluate applicants’ qualifications.

Read more: CONSIDER THESE RED FLAGS WHEN HIRING A NEW EMPLOYEE.

A typical employment background check includes a criminal record search, verification of social security number, and education/employment history. Some employers may run more in-depth background checks depending on the job and industry sector. Read on to learn more about what an employment background check shows.

1) Criminal Record

Employees ‘ criminal history is the first type of information employers look at when conducting background checks. This information can include details about prior arrests and convictions, including felonies, misdemeanors, and other offenses, from local, state, national or international sources.

2) Credit History

Another essential element reviewed in a background check is an applicant’s credit history. This can tell employers if you have a history of financial responsibility or if there are any past unpaid debts, bankruptcies, or delinquencies. While it may seem unrelated to job performance, an employer may consider this information when deciding whether or not to hire you. They’ll want to know if the applicant will likely be a responsible employee. In some cases, employers may even use this information as a basis for compensation and promotions.

3) Employment History

Employers also review an applicant’s employment history, including previous jobs and references from past employers. They’ll want to know if you have relevant job experience or if you’ve held a similar position before. They may also ask why you left each job and if any circumstances would prevent you from succeeding in the new role.

For example, if an employer is hiring for a customer service role, they may inquire about how you’ve handled demanding customers or challenging situations in the past. They may also request contact information from your previous employers so that they can verify your work history and check references.

4) Education History

Background checks often include verifying your educational background to ensure that any degrees and certifications you have listed on your resume match those obtained. Employers typically look for discrepancies between the academic credentials you’ve outlined and what shows up in their records search.

In addition to verifying that the educational institution exists, background checks can reveal details about the degree or certificate earned, such as dates of attendance, major, and GPA. Any discrepancies between your resume and the results of a background check can be flagged as a red flag or even lead to disqualification.

5) Social Security Verification

Identity or employment eligibility is verified through a social security verification, which checks the validity of your Social Security Number (SSN). It also indicates past names used, address history, and whether it’s been used for employment. SSN is a crucial part of the background check determining whether the applicant has any criminal records.

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