Types of Background Checks
Several different types of background checks are available. Our article helps you understand the difference between these reports.]
While many individuals may think that background checks are a one-size-fits-all report, there are several different types of background check reports out there. You may be required to submit one of these reports as part of an identity verification or job application, so it’s important to understand the differences between the many types of background checks out there.
Fortunately, you can review our article below to learn all you need to know about the types of background check reports available and why these reports are important.
Why Are Background Checks Important?
Background checks may seem like an anxiety-inducing and sometimes pointless step to many, but this report is a vital part of any job application or identity verification check. Background checks help employers, and companies get a sense of a person’s history and help evaluate whether or not the individual would be an eligible, safe, and competent candidate for whatever role they are applying to.
Without background check reports, ineligible individuals could be hired, causing potential problems in the future.
Types of Background Check Reports
Though most background checks include a little bit of information from multiple public record sources, some reports examine specific parts of your background, like your education or employment history and criminal record. We discuss the many types of background check reports that may be requested below.
Additionally, you should keep in mind that different states have varying laws on what employers are allowed to look at during background checks and how you are notified of the report. In most cases, you will need to fill out paperwork to authorize any individual to run an official background check on you for any reason.
General Background Checks
General background checks are simple reports that utilize public records to pull any known information about you. You can expect this report to include items about criminal history, such as convictions or felonies, and information about your education, employment, and driving records. These reports are comprehensive and have varying levels of thoroughness depending on who requests the report.
Federal background checks are often more in-depth with the information that gets returned.
Criminal and Civil
Criminal and civil background checks look specifically at your criminal history and history with civil issues, such as lawsuits, child support issues, and bench warrants. States have different rules regarding how far back into your criminal history is eligible to be shown on your report, but most states allow up to seven years.
Items of criminal history that might appear on your background report include convictions, misdemeanors, felonies, DUIs that resulted in felonies, arrest records, and any fines or prison time received.
Felonies, misdemeanors, or other criminal issues that were expunged will not show up on your background check report. Expungement means the matters are sealed from public view and not included in public records.
Identity and Social Security Verification
Identity verifications and social security checks are performed to ensure an individual is who they claim to be. Social security number checks are often performed quickly and for free on government databases. The agency running the check will compare the information returned in the report to the information you provided on a job application or other paperwork.
Driving Record Checks
A driving record check looks specifically at your driving record and evaluates for any serious issues, such as DUIs, multiple driving-related infractions that resulted in convictions or misdemeanors, and a history of reckless driving. These checks are most commonly performed when an individual applies to a job that works with heavy machinery, relies on driving, or interacts with vulnerable populations that may need transport from time to time.
Education and Employment History Verifications
Education and employment history verifications are usually a part of a general background check, but they may sometimes be performed separately. These checks are done to ensure that you have the credentials you claim. Employment history verifications may involve your potential employer or company contacting previous workplaces and checking references to see that you have the work experience necessary for a particular opportunity.
Credit History Checks
A credit history check is sometimes included on a general background check report, but more often than not, this is a separate report that will be requested as a standalone report. A credit history check shows your history of loans, bankruptcies, and debt and allows companies or banks to evaluate if you are eligible for jobs that work with finance or for certain loans and credit cards.
FAQs
Below we list some of the most frequently asked questions about background checks.
Can You Fail a Background Check Report?
Failing a background check report is fairly subjective and depends highly on what you are applying for, the company or employer evaluating your report and any spots of concern on your specific background check. For the most part, misdemeanors from a long time ago, credit issues, or civil issues won’t stop you from receiving a job offer. Still, they might raise questions if you are applying for a position that works with security, is with the government, or works with vulnerable populations.
A lengthy criminal history may limit your job options in certain situations and technically cause you to fail a background check report, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities out there for you.
Today, several laws are being put into place to stop discrimination against hiring those with potential spots of concern on background checks. These laws disallow automatic disqualification of job applicants with certain criminal histories and aim to make the hiring process fairer overall.
Check your state’s employment and hiring laws to see your rights regarding background check reports and equal opportunities.
Are Drug Tests Considered a Background Check?
Some companies may ask you to take a drug test along with submitting to a background check. It can be unclear when you are asked for both at the same time, but drug tests are not considered background checks. Drug tests evaluate if substances are in your system at the time of the test or a few months prior to the test—they don’t look at a history of substance abuse.
However, if you have ever received a drug or substance-related conviction, this could appear on a criminal background check.
How To See What Appears on Your Background Check
If you want to stay a step ahead of employers or companies and be prepared with what your background check might show about you, you can run a general background check on yourself using Information.com. To do this, input your name into the search bar to receive a report compiled from public records. Use this report to determine if there are any red flags on your background check report and potentially address them on an application or during an interview.
Understanding Background Checks
Background checks can be confusing, especially when so many different types exist. After reviewing our article, you should have a much better idea of the differences between specific background checks. This information will help you stay informed as you apply to jobs or other opportunities that may require a look at your history..