How Long Does an Employment Background Check Take in 2020 (+ Other FAQs)

How Long Does an Employment Background Check Take in 2020 (+ Other FAQs) Spread the loveA background check is usually a good sign that the company is seriously considering you for the position. Many employers will only conduct a background check at the later stages of the hiring process. This leaves many job seekers asking how long a pre-employment background takes.Look no further well cover exactly how long you it takes for a background check to come back.How Long Does an Employment Background Check Take?A background check usually takes 2-5 business days.Thats how long it takes for the employer to get the results back so dont expect a reply right away. It may take 1 -2 weeks to hear back after a background check is done.Here are some common questions regarding a background check:How Long Does a Criminal Background Check Take for a Job?It takes the same amount of time. A criminal background check is part of a full employment background check. Expect to hear back within a week or two.How Long Does a Background Check Take for a Government Job?Its the same for a Federal or Government job; 2-5 business days. It could take up to 30 days for some higher level government positions like the FBI. These background checks are more extensive and detailed.Why Is My Background Check Taking So Long to Come Back?If it has been longer than two weeks there may be an issue with your background check. Its possible that there is a red flag like conflicting employment information. If there is an issue, the employer may reach out to clarify some information.It could also be that there was a delay by the company performing the background check.Lastly, it could be that the background check was complete but they still have not made a final decision. It is common for multiple candidates to go through a background check before the employer makes a final decision.How Do I Know If I Passed My Background Check?They will either call or email you to let you know that the background has cleared. You may not even receive a notification that you passed the backgroun d check you may just receive an offer.Why Is My Background Check Still Pending for Job?It could be simply because the background check isnt ready yet. There could also be something the employer discovered in the background check that theyre reviewing.Does the Employer Have to Disclose Why the Background Check Failed?Yes! According to the EEOC and The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Employers are required to provide two notices to an employee/applicant when taking an adverse employment action based on information found in a background report.If your employer did not provide you with a copy of the background report before they chose not to hire you, then you have claims to pursue against the employer under the FCRA.What If My Background Check Is Wrong?You first need to obtain a report. You would then contact the screening company and ask for are-investigation of your results. You may be asked to verify your information and supply additional information. They will be required to cor rect any inaccurate information as long as you provide the right evidence. You can then contact the employer with the updated report.What are they Checking for?#1 â€" Past Employment HistoryThey may be checking to verify that all of your experience listed matches your records. Make sure that all of the dates and company names/titles listed on your resume are accurate.#2 â€" EducationThe employer may also verify that you earned the degree(s) listed on your resume or application. Lying about your education is a serious offense which could get you in trouble so ensure that theeducation section of your resumeis accurate and up to date.#3 â€" Criminal RecordThis is straight forward â€" most employers will check your criminal record before making an offer.#4 â€" CreditHistoryThe employer may also check your credit history if the position will allow you to have any sort of financial authority.We wrote a good post here on bad credit and how it can effect your job search.Have any other quest ions regarding a background check? Comment below! How Long Does an Employment Background Check Take in 2020 (+ Other FAQs) Spread the loveA background check is usually a good sign that the company is seriously considering you for the position. Many employers will only conduct a background check at the later stages of the hiring process. This leaves many job seekers asking how long a pre-employment background takes.Look no further well cover exactly how long you it takes for a background check to come back.How Long Does an Employment Background Check Take?A background check usually takes 2-5 business days.Thats how long it takes for the employer to get the results back so dont expect a reply right away. It may take 1 -2 weeks to hear back after a background check is done.Here are some common questions regarding a background check:How Long Does a Criminal Background Check Take for a Job?It takes the same amount of time. A criminal background check is part of a full employment background check. Expect to hear back within a week or two.How Long Does a Background Check Take for a Government Job?Its the same for a Federal or Government job; 2-5 business days. It could take up to 30 days for some higher level government positions like the FBI. These background checks are more extensive and detailed.Why Is My Background Check Taking So Long to Come Back?If it has been longer than two weeks there may be an issue with your background check. Its possible that there is a red flag like conflicting employment information. If there is an issue, the employer may reach out to clarify some information.It could also be that there was a delay by the company performing the background check.Lastly, it could be that the background check was complete but they still have not made a final decision. It is common for multiple candidates to go through a background check before the employer makes a final decision.How Do I Know If I Passed My Background Check?They will either call or email you to let you know that the background has cleared. You may not even receive a notification that you passed the backgroun d check you may just receive an offer.Why Is My Background Check Still Pending for Job?It could be simply because the background check isnt ready yet. There could also be something the employer discovered in the background check that theyre reviewing.Does the Employer Have to Disclose Why the Background Check Failed?Yes! According to the EEOC and The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Employers are required to provide two notices to an employee/applicant when taking an adverse employment action based on information found in a background report.If your employer did not provide you with a copy of the background report before they chose not to hire you, then you have claims to pursue against the employer under the FCRA.What If My Background Check Is Wrong?You first need to obtain a report. You would then contact the screening company and ask for are-investigation of your results. You may be asked to verify your information and supply additional information. They will be required to cor rect any inaccurate information as long as you provide the right evidence. You can then contact the employer with the updated report.What are they Checking for?#1 â€" Past Employment HistoryThey may be checking to verify that all of your experience listed matches your records. Make sure that all of the dates and company names/titles listed on your resume are accurate.#2 â€" EducationThe employer may also verify that you earned the degree(s) listed on your resume or application. Lying about your education is a serious offense which could get you in trouble so ensure that theeducation section of your resumeis accurate and up to date.#3 â€" Criminal RecordThis is straight forward â€" most employers will check your criminal record before making an offer.#4 â€" CreditHistoryThe employer may also check your credit history if the position will allow you to have any sort of financial authority.We wrote a good post here on bad credit and how it can effect your job search.Have any other quest ions regarding a background check? Comment below!