What Is an Employment Background Check?
An employment background check reviews selected information about a candidate’s history. It can help confirm details relevant to a position, such as past employment, education, or a required license.
The checks needed depend on the job and applicable rules. A background report is one part of a hiring decision. It does not replace interviews or an assessment of the person’s skills.
What Can a Background Check Include?
Depending on the position, a background check may include:
- Employment verification: Checking past employers, job titles, and employment dates.
- Education verification: Confirming a degree or other stated qualification.
- License verification: Checking whether a required professional license is current.
- Criminal history: Reviewing records where permitted and relevant to the job.
- Driving records: Reviewing driving history for positions that involve driving.
Not every position needs every type of check. Define the scope before ordering a report.
Background Checks and Candidate Screening
Candidate screening usually involves reviewing a resume and speaking with someone about their experience, interest, availability, and pay requirements.
A background check reviews records or verifies information through other sources. An interview does not confirm that a background check has been completed.
When working with a recruiting agency, agree on who will arrange any required checks and when they will take place.
Learn How Tier2Tek Screens Candidates
Basic Steps for Employers
When using a third-party consumer reporting company, federal law generally requires employers to:
- Provide a clear written disclosure in a standalone format and obtain written permission before ordering the report.
- Before rejecting someone based on the report, provide a copy and the required summary of rights, allowing time to review and dispute errors.
- If proceeding with the rejection, provide the required adverse-action notice, including the reporting company’s details and the person’s dispute rights.
Apply screening standards fairly. State and local rules may also limit when checks occur and how information can be used.
This is a general overview, not legal advice or a complete compliance checklist. Confirm your process with qualified employment counsel.
Read the EEOC and FTC Guide for Employers
Choosing a Background Check Provider
Choose a provider that offers reports specifically for employment screening. Ask:
- Which records and locations does the check cover?
- How are possible errors reviewed and corrected?
- What notices and forms does the provider support?
- How is candidate information protected?
- What is the full cost, including extra searches or fees?
- What could delay the report?
Using a provider does not remove the employer’s responsibility to follow applicable requirements.
How Long Does a Background Check Take?
Timing depends on the records requested and how quickly courts, schools, employers, or licensing bodies respond. Missing details and additional searches can also cause delays.
Ask the provider for an estimate based on the checks you need. Allow time for follow-up before confirming a start date.
Need Help Finding Candidates?
Tier2Tek Staffing helps employers find and screen permanent IT support, engineering, and CAD professionals nationwide.
Tell us about your position and any screening requirements so we can discuss the recruiting process and responsibilities.
Prefer to talk? Call 720-722-2385.