What Happens During a Background Check for a Job?
You filled out the background check form, gave permission for the screening, and now you’re waiting. From your side, not much seems to be happening. You may only see that the check is still pending.
Behind that status, several parts of your information may be checked separately. A job background check typically verifies specific information an employer wants to confirm rather than searching one source for everything about you. Exactly what gets checked depends on the employer and the job.
The Information Isn’t All Coming From One Place
A background check may include criminal records, past employment, education, or other information related to the position. But those details don’t necessarily come from the same source.
For example, a previous job may be verified through the former employer or a service that keeps employment records. A school may be contacted to confirm education, while criminal record searches can draw from court records.
A background check doesn’t cover every part of someone’s history. The employer decides what information it wants included in the check.
One Part Can Be Finished While Another Is Still Pending
Some information can come back quickly. Another part may take longer because records have to be found or an employer, school, court, or other source has to respond.
That’s how a background check can still say “pending” even when much of it may already be complete. The wait can come down to one piece that hasn’t been verified yet.
A longer wait by itself doesn’t mean the screening uncovered something concerning. It can simply mean that the different parts of the check aren’t all moving at the same speed.
The Results Eventually Come Together
Once the different checks are finished, the employer receives the results and reviews them as part of the hiring process.
There isn’t one background check that every employer runs. So while the general process may be similar, the employer or background screening company can tell you what is included in your particular check.