Does a Background Check Show Past Employment?
Yes, a background check can often show past employment. However, the extent of the information revealed varies depending on the type of background check conducted, the specific company performing the check, and the laws in your jurisdiction. Let's delve deeper into the specifics.
What Information is Typically Included?
Most comprehensive background checks will attempt to verify your employment history. This usually involves:
- Employer Names and Addresses: The check will usually list the names and addresses of your previous employers.
- Job Titles and Dates of Employment: They'll strive to confirm the roles you held and the periods you worked for each employer.
- Verification of Employment: The background check company will usually contact your former employers directly to verify this information. They might ask about your job duties, performance, and reason for leaving. However, the level of detail provided by your former employers can vary greatly due to privacy concerns and company policies.
What Information Might Not Be Included?
While a background check aims to verify your employment history, it might not reveal every detail:
- Salary Information: Your salary history is generally considered private and isn't usually included in standard background checks.
- Specific Performance Reviews: While an employer might confirm your employment, detailed performance reviews are generally not shared due to confidentiality.
- Reason for Leaving (beyond basic confirmation): While an employer may confirm your dates of employment and your role, they might only offer a generalized reason for your departure (e.g., "resignation"). Specific details about the circumstances of your leaving aren't typically shared.
Types of Background Checks and Employment Verification
The depth of employment verification depends on the type of background check:
- Basic Background Checks: These typically only confirm employment dates and job titles. They may not contact your former employers directly.
- Comprehensive Background Checks: These are more thorough and involve directly contacting former employers to verify details.
- Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) Checks: These checks are performed by licensed agencies and adhere to strict regulations concerning the collection and use of personal information.
What Employers Look For in Employment Verification
Employers use employment verification to confirm you're who you say you are, you have the experience you claim to have, and to potentially get a sense of your work history. They are usually most interested in confirming dates of employment, job titles, and that you weren't terminated for cause.
Can I Control What My Former Employers Say?
You generally cannot directly control what your former employers tell a background check company. However, providing accurate information on your resume and applications significantly reduces the likelihood of discrepancies.
What Happens if There's a Discrepancy?
Discrepancies between your application and what your former employer reports can be a serious problem and may lead to a job offer being rescinded. Always be truthful and accurate in your job applications.
Are There Legal Limits on What Can Be Reported?
Yes, there are legal limits. Laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the United States regulate background checks and protect individuals' rights. These laws specify what information can be collected, how it should be used, and how long it can be retained.
In conclusion, while a background check is likely to reveal your past employment history, the level of detail can vary. Accuracy in your job applications and a clear understanding of what a background check entails are crucial for a smooth job search process.
