What Shows Up on a Background Check?

Does this scenario sound familiar? Your resume is freshly updated, the application is completely filled out, all of your references are gathered, and then you see it: the background check request. The moment hits when you wonder if your possible future employer might find out about that one time you got caught in 4th grade shoplifting lip gloss from the local beauty store. The answer: probably not. To help ease your anxiety, here are five possible scenarios that could make an appearance on a background check.

Criminal Records 

There are multiple facets that can fall into the criminal record category:

  • Arrests
  • Court records
  • Convictions of misdemeanors or felonies
  • Sex offenses
  • Incarceration
  • Warrants

Regarding arrests, there are a few classifications to look for: pending cases, non-convicted arrests, and convicted arrests. Convictions of felonies or misdemeanors mean that the person was found or pled guilty to the criminal activity. Court records include dockets, orders, decrees, judgement, etc.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act states that criminal records on background checks cannot contain civil suits or arrests after seven years. However, a criminal conviction remains on someone’s record indefinitely.

Social Security Number Validation

This particular screening report will determine whether or not a person is eligible to be employed in the United States by revealing a history of the person’s addresses aligned with the given social security number. 

Sex Offender Registry

Information on a sex offender registry is public information and required by all states in the US. Once you are classified as a sex offender, you will show up on this list. If the offense is state, tribal, and/or territory, then it will also show up on the national sex offender registry.

Driving Records 

Your driving history can also appear on your background check with a detailed account of past tickets and driving violations. This also includes DUI or DWI offenses, which result in more rigid consequences.

Credit Records

One’s financial credit history will also show up on a background check. Without permission, employers cannot access your credit score, but they can see any history of bankruptcy, property ownership, loan information, accounts placed for collection, etc.

As far as exact details of what will show up on a background check, it honestly depends. Often times, determining what will actually show up can be a little more complex than one might think. For a more detailed report on your background check might require further legal advice, which our lawyers at Wentz Law are fully qualified to guide you through that process. Contact us today to begin this process and apply for your next job with a clear conscious!

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