What Does a Background Check Show? 4 Key Elements

Did you know that potential employers perform a background check on their potential employees?

For some people, this provides a sense of security. For others, it sends a chill through them. Either way, your background can expose things you would really rather keep private.

Does this worry you? Do you wonder how much a background check can reveal about you?

If so, you need to understand what does a background check shows. Here are the things you can expect to see in a background check report.

1. Criminal History

It searches a variety of public and private databases for any criminal activity. It typically shows an individual’s past convictions, arrests, sentences, and prison time. It can also provide information about civil suits and judgments.

Furthermore, some criminal background checks will include reports from credit agencies and former employers to determine an individual’s financial and business history. Criminal background checks are an important tool in assessing a person’s safety and reliability and must be taken into consideration when assigning equipment, providing trusted roles, and making hiring decisions.

2. Employment History

It typically looks at previous job titles, locations, employers, the duration of employment, and the reason for leaving. Employers also tend to look at former salary history and references from supervisors. This can also include a check of the individual’s qualifications, such as:

  • degree verification
  • training courses
  • certifications
  • licenses

In some cases, education history and any drug tests may also be included. To protect the privacy of the applicant, all information must be obtained with the individual’s written consent prior to the employee background check. 

3. Education Verification

Education verification is the process of assessing the accuracy of a job applicant’s educational history, such as verifying the validity of an individual’s educational credentials. This process includes:

  • Confirming dates of attendance
  • graduation status
  • diploma conferred

Education verification is a commonly requested service by many employers and is included as part of a broader background check. It provides employers with confidence in a job applicant’s educational background and allows them to ensure that it meets their organization’s needs. 

4. Credit History

Financial records, such as bankruptcy information, are often included as part of the background check. This can include overdue bills, liens, or judgments that have been filed against an individual. Some background checks may also include information on the type of credit accounts an individual has opened and maintained. This can include:

  • credit cards
  • payday loans
  • car loans
  • mortgage home loans

This information will help prospective employers or landlords assess an individual’s fiscal responsibility and how they manage their money. The impact on their credit score will also be visible.

High scores indicate a person is able to consistently manage their debt, while low scores indicate that an individual is not attentive to their financial obligations. For example, this is highly essential in determining if a tenant is a good payer. Visit FrontLobby rental credit check to help make your rental decisions with confidence.

The Bottom Line: What Does a Background Check Show

Background checks are an invaluable tool for employers to get a better picture of a potential hire. While exactly what a background check shows varies from employer to employer and person to person, employers can use the information disclosed from a background check to ensure they are hiring the best possible candidate for the job.

Make sure to always review and understand what does a background check shows prior to applying for any job.

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