Related Sponsors

What areas might be covered in a Background Check?

Home » Human Resources » Background Checks » What areas might be covered in a Background Check?

As mentioned earlier, background checks can be as minimal as verification of an applicant�s legal right to work or as extensive as full private investigations. Given that, these are some of the most common areas covered in a search:

Social Security Verification: This is a simple check to ensure that you reported your correct social security number and that you are who you say you are.
Credit report: Credit reports analyze any debts that you have and your history of payment on financial accounts. According to the SHRM study, thirty-five percent of employers perform credit checks.
Criminal and court records: These records show any arrests and convictions, as well as any lawsuits or divorces in which you have been involved. Bankruptcy records are also a matter of public record and can be searched. In the SHRM study, eighty percent of employers reported performing criminal checks.
Education: Many background checks will verify that you attended school and received degrees as reported on your resume.
Drug test: Many jobs require drug tests (for a wide range of drugs) before and after hiring an employee.
Employment history: Employment searches will show any discrepancies in your resume and verify any gaps in your employment record.
Driving record: Your driving record includes traffic citations as well as any vehicle registered or titled in your name.

There are limits to what can be reported in a background check. School (outside of enrollment and graduation) and medical records, for example, are closed records, while other records can be time-barred. In addition, however, employers can also ask applicant�s questions about any or all of these areas in conjunction with or separate from an official background check.

Next Page: Are there any legal restrictions to a Background Check?

Related Background Checks Articles