When you’re ready to hire, you could cross your fingers and hope everything on a candidate’s application is true. But if you want to be sure, a background check can provide the clarity you need to make confident (and less stressful) hiring decisions.
A background check can reveal anything from criminal history to driving records. However, not every background check uncovers the same information. The different types of screenings available can lead some employers to wonder: What do background checks reveal?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of background checks, what these reports typically show, and the screening services that add value to your hiring process.
What Does a Background Check Show Employers?
Background checks aren’t one-size-fits-all. The information in a background check report can vary depending on the employer’s policies, their business or industry, or state or local regulations. That said, pre-employment background checks may include this basic information:
- Biometric identity verification: A background check may verify a candidate’s identity to make sure they are who they say they are. Some background screening providers offer biometric verification, which uses physical traits, such as facial features, to confirm identity.
- SSN trace and address history: A basic background check usually traces the applicant’s Social Security number and address. Once confirmed, this data is used to support an accurate criminal search.
- Criminal records: Most background checks include criminal records. Depending on an employer’s search criteria and legislative restrictions, these records may show felony and misdemeanor convictions. They usually include searches across jurisdictions, including county, state, and federal courts. Some screenings also search civil records, especially in industries like finance.
- Sex offender registry records: Criminal searches typically pull data from state sex offender registry records. A background check report can show both the registration date and current status.
Other elements of a background check may include employment and education verification, driving records, license verification, and even credit reports.
The background screening program you need for your business can depend on your industry, the size of your workforce, specific job functions, and risk tolerance. For example, if you’re hiring seasonal retail workers for a small business, you wouldn’t need the same screening package as a hospital hiring licensed medical professionals.
That’s why it’s important to work with a background screening provider that offers customizable services to meet your company’s unique needs. The best background check providers offer tailored screening solutions that align with your organization’s hiring practices and compliance requirements.
What Information Does a Background Check Provide?
Beyond basic information, like identity verification, pre-employment background checks can dig deeper to provide additional insights, such as a candidate’s employment and education history. You can use this information to make smarter hiring decisions and build a safe, transparent workplace.
Here are some standard services included in a background check and what they can reveal:
Criminal Background Checks
As we mentioned above, nearly every background check includes a criminal records search. A criminal background check looks at a candidate’s history of criminal offenses. It can include:
- Misdemeanor convictions
- Felony convictions
- Multi-state sex offender registries
- Civil records, such as contracts or property disputes
This information can help you assess risk, especially when hiring for specific roles. For example, if the job requires working with children or handling sensitive data, a criminal background check is a non-negotiable part of the screening process. While a conviction may not automatically disqualify a candidate, knowing this information upfront can allow you to make a more informed hiring decision.
Employment Verification
A background check for employment verification can help you make sure a candidate is as qualified for a job as their resume implies. This screening typically checks the work history a candidate has provided, including:
- Employment dates
- Job titles
- Type of employment, such as full-time or part-time
Employment verification can help you feel confident about who you’re hiring and their experience. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for candidates to lie or stretch the truth on their resumes. According to a recent Resume Builder survey, 43% of applicants have lied about how long they worked in a former position.
Sometimes, employment verification can show innocent mix-ups, such as when a candidate reports working at a job one month longer than they actually did. However, it can also reveal serious red flags, like a fabricated job title or significantly altered work experience.
Education Verification
Background checks can also help to verify other information, including an applicant’s education. Similar to employment verification, a background check for education verification confirms a candidate’s academic background.
Screening providers can verify degrees, diplomas, or certificates through the National Student Clearinghouse or directly with educational institutions. They can also confirm graduation or attendance dates.
Many jobs have specific educational requirements, particularly in industries like law, healthcare, and finance. Education verification can help you make qualified hires who have the knowledge your business needs. In regulated industries, this check can also prevent serious compliance risks.
MVR Reports
Motor vehicle records (MVR) reports offer insights into an applicant’s driving history. They’re common for roles that require driving company vehicles or operating heavy machinery. MVR reports for employers can show:
- License class and status
- License issuance and expiration dates
- Driving violations, such as speeding tickets
- Accident or collision reports
- Outstanding traffic fines
- Driving-related criminal convictions, such as DUI
If you’re hiring for roles with driving responsibilities, MVR reports can help you determine whether candidates meet your company’s safe driving standards. Some organizations can also benefit from continuous MVR monitoring, which updates employers about changes to a driver’s record after they’re hired.
Other Common Screenings
Background check reports can reveal some or all of the above information, but they can also include other types of screenings, such as the following:
- License verification: For specialized roles that require licensure, this verification can confirm a candidate holds a valid, active license.
- Credit report: A pre-employment background screening may include credit history, especially for jobs that involve handling money. This check gathers information about a candidate’s financial behavior, such as creditors, available credit, payment history, and present account statuses.
- Reference check: Professional reference checks can offer more context about an applicant’s work history. These checks involve direct conversations with a person’s former manager, colleagues, or other professional contacts.
What Should Employers Look For in a Background Check Provider?
Background checks can show you valuable information about potential hires, but only if you work with the right provider. When looking to partner with a background check company, keep these qualities in mind:
- Industry expertise: It’s best to work with a screening provider that’s familiar with your industry, particularly in heavily regulated fields, like healthcare or transportation.
- Compliance support: A reputable background check company can offer guidance and resources to help you stay compliant with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Flexibility and customization: Your company’s screening needs may change over time. Choose a provider that offers flexible, customizable options instead of a standard checklist.
- Turnaround time: When it comes to background check reports, there needs to be a balance between speed and accuracy. A credible background check provider will deliver thorough, accurate reports with a reasonable turnaround time.
- Customer service: If you have a question about what’s on a background check report, you shouldn’t have to waste time waiting on hold. Work with a screening provider that offers quick, responsive customer service.
Build a Custom Background Screening Program with InCheck
A pre-employment background check can range from the basics, like identity verification and criminal history, to more extensive information, including driving records and credit histories. The information you get in a background check report can help you make the right hiring decisions and protect your organization from risk.
However, to get the most out of a background screening program, you need to work with the right provider. At InCheck, we offer flexible pre-employment screening packages to meet your hiring needs, whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise organization. We’re also happy to create tailored screening programs based on your unique requirements.
Working together, we can build a background check program that makes sense for your business. Reach out today to learn how you can partner with InCheck for a stronger hiring process.