Will a Background Check Show Previous Employers?
The short answer is: sometimes. Whether a background check reveals your previous employers depends on several factors, including the type of background check conducted, the information provided by you, and the laws and regulations in your location.
This question is frequently asked, so let's dive into the specifics to clarify what information a background check might (and might not) reveal.
What Information is Typically Included in a Background Check?
Standard background checks generally include:
- Verification of Employment: This part focuses on confirming your employment history. The check will typically involve contacting your previous employers to verify your dates of employment, job titles, and sometimes salary information (though this is less common due to privacy concerns). However, the amount of detail provided by your former employers is variable. Some may simply confirm dates of employment, while others might offer more comprehensive information.
- Criminal History: This section focuses on criminal records, including arrests, convictions, and sometimes even pending charges. It's a separate component from employment history verification.
- Education Verification: Similar to employment verification, this part checks if the educational credentials you've listed are accurate.
- Credit History: This is often a separate check, and not always included in a standard background check. It focuses on your credit score, payment history, and debts.
What Information Might NOT Be Included?
Background checks are not designed to be a complete and exhaustive biography. They generally focus on specific aspects of your past relevant to the position you are applying for. Therefore, a background check will likely not include:
- Reasons for Leaving Previous Jobs: While your previous employers might confirm your employment dates, they're generally restricted from divulging the reasons behind your departure (unless legally required or mandated by a court order). This is largely due to privacy concerns and potential for defamation lawsuits.
- Performance Reviews: Your performance reviews are typically considered confidential and are unlikely to be shared during a background check.
- Personal Opinions from Former Colleagues: Background checks focus on verifiable facts, not opinions or subjective assessments.
What Affects What a Background Check Reveals?
Several factors influence the information a background check will uncover:
- Type of Background Check: A basic background check will generally only verify your employment history, while a more extensive check might include criminal records, credit history, and other information.
- Your Consent: In many jurisdictions, you must provide your consent before an employer can conduct a background check.
- Your Application Accuracy: If your application contains inaccurate information, it will likely be flagged during the verification process.
- Employer Policies: Some employers have stricter policies than others regarding the information they share with background check companies.
- Legal Restrictions: State and federal laws regulate what information employers can legally collect and share during a background check.
What if a Previous Employer Refuses to Provide Information?
If a previous employer refuses to verify your employment, it might raise concerns with the prospective employer. You should be prepared to provide alternative verification, such as pay stubs, W-2 forms, or letters of recommendation.
In conclusion, while a background check may confirm your employment with previous companies, it is unlikely to offer detailed performance reviews or reasons for leaving those positions. The level of detail revealed depends on numerous factors, and it's crucial to ensure the accuracy of the information you provide in your application.
