Background checks aren’t only for traveling abroad or jobs in law enforcement. These screenings have become a part of the hiring process for some employers to verify candidates’ employment histories and qualifications.
With our AI resume builder, you can clean up your previous work history to make sure that you avoid adding unnecessary information and keep your past accomplishments interesting and relevant.
However, it’s also key to understand other information regarding employment background checks that this article will cover, such as:
- What shows up on a background check
- How long a background check takes
- How to get ready for a background check for employment
- What employers can’t use this type of review for
Keep reading to make sure you’re 100% ready to have your work history reviewed and land the job you want!
What Does an Employment Background Check Show, and How Do Employers Use Them?
Employment background checks serve as a crucial tool for employers to verify a candidate’s qualifications and assess their suitability for a position. These checks typically cover the most recent 7 to 10 years of your experience, though some industries may look even further back.
Employers will specifically look for:
- Positions held at previous companies
- Dates of employment
- Job titles
- Reasons for leaving previous roles
It’s a good idea to keep this information clear and concise on your resume and wherever you have a professional profile.
How Long Does an Employment Background Check Take?
Background checks typically take between 2 and 5 business days to complete, though the duration can vary depending on the type and complexity of the check. Some key factors affecting the timeline include:
- Type of check: Basic screenings like identity verification may be completed within hours, while more comprehensive checks involving multiple components can take longer.
- Employment and education verification: These typically take 2–3 days but can extend to a week if contacting multiple employers or institutions.
- Location: Checks involving international searches may require additional time.
- Industry-specific requirements: Certain industries require more extensive checks, such as healthcare, finance, and government positions.
Preparing Your Work History for a Background Check for Employment
To make sure that your employment history looks good in a background check, it’s crucial to maintain detailed records and prepare in advance. Here are key steps to take:
1. Start by keeping a clear work history log
Keep a simple record of where you’ve worked by including key information, such as:
- Company names
- Locations
- Start and end dates
- Job titles
- Your responsibilities
This will help you provide the right information when needed. Also, make sure to explain clearly why you left if asked during your interview.
2. Collect and organize important documents
Gather papers that prove your work history, like job offer letters, pay stubs, and performance reviews.
Also, keep contact information for your old managers or HR departments, so it’s easy to verify your work experience.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, make sure you can easily access your Employment Authorization Document (I-766) to verify that you can work in the U.S.
3. Update your LinkedIn profile and resume regularly
Make sure your LinkedIn profile shows your current job and history accurately. Check that your resume matches too, especially with dates, job titles, and company names.
Keeping them consistent helps avoid any issues during background checks.
4. Be ready to explain any gaps in your work history
If you have any gaps between positions of 3 months or more, be prepared to explain them. Explaining what you did during that time, especially if you were doing something productive, helps employers understand why there was a break.
Remember to be concise when explaining gaps in work history, as this should not be the main focus of the hiring process.
5. Always be honest and clear
Never lie about your work history on your resume or job application or add false information anywhere. If there are any problems with your history, be honest with the hiring managers. Employers appreciate when you are open and upfront.
This type of preparation also helps you demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail, increasing your confidence during the hiring process.
Your Rights in Background Checks
If a hiring manager does decide to perform a review of your past jobs, it’s a good idea to know what your rights are and the lines they cannot cross.
Job applicants have specific rights during the employment background check process, as outlined by federal laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Understanding these rights can help you get through the review process more confidently. Here are key rights you should be aware of:
- Written consent: Employers must obtain your written permission before conducting a background check. This disclosure must be separate from the job application and other documents.
- Equal treatment: Employers must treat all applicants equally, regardless of race, national origin, color, sex, religion, disability, genetic information, or age).
- Limited medical information requests: Employers cannot ask for medical information before offering you a job.
- Right to dispute: Under the FCRA, you have the right to dispute inaccurate information in your background check report.
- Free additional report: You can request an additional free report within 60 days if an adverse decision is made based on the background check.
- Protection against discrimination: The EEOC requires employers to consider the relevance of a criminal record to the job position and conduct an individualized assessment of background check findings.
However, it’s important to note that some states and localities have implemented “ban-the-box” laws that further restrict when and how criminal history can be considered.
If an employer decides not to hire you based on information in your background check, they must:
- Provide you with a copy of the background check report
- Give you a “Summary of Rights” explaining your rights under the FCRA
- Allow you time (typically 3-5 business days) to dispute any inaccuracies
- If proceeding with the adverse action, provide a final adverse action notice.
If you feel your rights have been violated in any way, it will be a good idea to get in touch with a lawyer to discuss the background check.
Recent updates to background checks
In the past few years, some new laws and legislation have been passed to make sure every applicant’s rights are protected.
Review these new updates that have come about over the past couple of years:
1. As of October 1, 2023, California implemented new regulations expanding the scope of its Fair Chance Act, affecting background check procedures].
2. Some states have enacted laws requiring free security freezes on credit reports, which may affect background check processes.
3. The use of artificial intelligence in background screening is receiving increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
4. Employers should be aware of varying state and local laws that may provide additional protections or requirements beyond federal law.
5. Recent executive orders have targeted certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which may affect some employers’ hiring practices.
Key Takeaways
Whatever line of work you are in, an employment background check could be nerve-wracking. An employer may find out about something you don’t want them to or something you don’t even remember doing over your career.
That’s why it’s important to be prepared by keeping the advice in this article in mind, such as:
- Know what your rights are during a past employment review
- What an employer cannot use to discriminate against you
- Update your work history on LinkedIn and any other profiles you have
- Be ready to explain any employment gaps
Using this advice and resume-building tools to get organized, your work experience will be ready for any type of review.
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