Typically, employers look for information about a candidate’s job history, whether they have been convicted of a crime, as well as their education, and, occasionally, their credit history. They run background checks at checkpeople.com and similar sites to make sure their top candidates have a clean slate. This article describes a few common background check findings that might result in someone being eliminated from the recruitment process.
Common Background Check Findings
Table of Contents
1. Job History Issues
A series of short-term employment stints or patterns of unemployment might not disqualify you, but they won’t make a good impression. On the other hand, training, seasonal work, and internships are seen as a plus for entry-level jobs.
2. No Working Permit
If you’re neither a US citizen nor a US resident alien, you will need a valid work permit. The I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) has to be completed for you to qualify. Job applicants are required to present employment authorization.
If you are a student studying abroad, make sure you have a permit to work in that country. Being fresher you may come across some other employment issues for students.
3. Criminal Record
While a criminal history frequently results in elimination, this isn’t always the case. If the offense is completely unrelated to the job, it might not disqualify the applicant. Your best bet is to shoot straight. If asked, explain the circumstances and assure your interviewer that history won’t repeat itself in this particular case.
However, even a minor crime will result in elimination if you’re applying for a job that requires a security clearance. You might be eliminated from the applicant pool due to a certain medical condition that conflicts with job requirements, tasks, and responsibilities. More information is available here.
4. Lies or Inconsistencies
You might be disqualified if you have lied on your application or didn’t smooth out the details on your resume. All the information provided on it will be checked. When someone lies about their education, skills, or employment history, your employer will know about it.
Employers also ask for references and almost always contact them to ask for details. These include the skills you brought to the team, why the employment relationship ended, and when you worked for that particular company. A background check can determine when you were awarded a degree or certificate and whether the institution listed was actually the awarding one.
5. Poor References
On the note of references, you might have gotten a bad one from a previous employer. A single bad reference may be overlooked, but more than one will likely be a deciding factor for not hiring you. On the plus side, the information most employers provide is limited to employment dates and job titles.
6. Poor Credit Score
Unsavory financial history will be seen as a liability if you’re applying for a position in finance. Moreover, government jobs also have a requirement for a credit check.
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7. Testing Positive for Alcohol or Drugs
Technical jobs that involve operating heavy or complex equipment or machines or those that involve driving often come with a drug and alcohol test. Moreover, the employer will see anyone who tests positive as a potential liability.
8. Damaging Information on Social Media
More than two-thirds of employers use social media to learn more about job candidates today. Typically, the purpose of this is to conduct a character check. It’s understandable that an employer wants to be able to judge if someone will adjust to the workplace environment and be accepted as a team member. Moreover, checking someone’s social accounts is not against the law.
The vast majority of employers won’t search for damaging information on purpose. If you feel your posts or comments might hurt your chances, set all your profiles to private. Not just for employment, but addressing social media privacy issues is important.
9. Negative Driving History
Anyone who applies for a job that involves driving can expect their driving record to undergo inspection. Examples of negative driving history include DUI stops, reckless driving, or numerous speeding tickets.
Also Read: 6 Best Ways to Make Money Online Without Job
In some cases, I have seen, some of the employees are disqualified even after getting a job offer. You have to be very careful about your employment background check.
FAQs about Employment Background Check
It shows that you are the qualified and genuine person to work in their company. It also shows your loyalty towards the organization.
It depends on the organization or the agency who is doing verification. Usually, it takes a week or two.
Many of the organization hires an agency to do the employee background check. Agency maintains the database for all the verified information. So agencies also check their historical verified data about the candidate.
