Why do employers want to check an employee’s background? It could be for one of several reasons. If government security clearances are required for the job you are interviewing for, an employment background check may be required. The employer may want to make sure you are telling the truth.

It's estimated that up to 40% of resumes can contain false or tweaked information, so, employers want to insure that what they are getting in an employee is what they were promised. The employer may perform a background check to find out whether actually graduated from the college you said you did or to confirm that you worked at your previous employer(s) during the time stated on your resume or your job application.

Background Check Information

What's included in an employee background check? The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets the standards for screening for employment. The FCRA defines a background check as a consumer report. Before an employer can get a consumer report for employment purposes, they must notify you in writing and get your written authorization. If the employer is simply conducting inquiries (rather than running reports) they should also ask for your consent. That way you could withdraw your application if there is information you would rather not see disclosed.

If an employer decides not to hire because of this report, they must give a pre-adverse action disclosure that includes a copy of the report and a copy of your rights. They must then give notice that they have decided not to hire a person and let them know the name and address of Consumer Reporting Agency and information on his/her right to dispute the report.

At a minimum, a background check will verify the social security number. At most, it can include an analysis of a person’s work history, the people he/she knows, along with a full credit report. It can also include credit payment records, driving records or criminal history. The inquiries should be related to the job. For example, if he/she is hired to work in a bank, it would be reasonable to find out if he/she has a history of embezzlement or theft.

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