How Long Does A Background Check Take?
Are you waiting to start a new job? Or are you the one hiring and need to know when you’ll get the all clear? Background check timing has frustrated people for years – but it has improved.
How long does a background check take, and what factors can speed up or delay the process? Well, it depends on a few different things – so let’s start there.
Factors that Affect the Duration of a Background Check
The timing of a background check depends on several factors, including:
- The scope
- Jurisdictions
- Discrepancies
- Missing details
- Third-parties
- Legal requirements & regulations
Understanding these factors helps manage expectations on turnaround times. With Mitratech’s background screening, get an estimated timeline. Our background screening software uses data from the last 30 days to predict how long a background check takes.
Types of Background Checks and their Estimated Time Frames
“Background checks” is a grab-all term. Various types can be conducted depending on the purpose. The most common ones include:
- Criminal background checks: Searching local, state, and federal databases for red flags.
- Employment verification: Confirming work history, positions held, and reasons for leaving jobs. (This one takes a few days!)
- Education verification: Ensuring the candidate holds the necessary degrees and certifications. (Takes up to a week.)
- Credit history checks: Looking into financial history, including loans, debts, and payment patterns.
- …and more!
Depending on the type of check and where you have to go for it, you’ll have different timelines. For example, someone who went to a large school will have a different timeline than someone who went to a small one.
Common Delays in Background Checks
Background checks are crucial to the hiring process, but they can delay it. One common delay is when the applicant provides inaccurate or incomplete information. This can lead to the need for additional verification, causing a slowdown in the process.
Background check companies can have delays because they contact employers or references. If the contact information is outdated or individuals are unresponsive, it prolongs the process. Moreover, court records may not be accessible in some jurisdictions.
If you have a lot of screenings to run at the same time, that can slow down the process as well. However, using a background screening company can help eliminate those bottlenecks.
What can you do to speed it up? Applicants need to double-check their provided information and ensure all details are accurate and up-to-date to avoid unnecessary delays in their background check process.
Tips for Expediting a Background Check
When you’re waiting for the results of a background check, every day counts. To help speed up the process, you can do a few things.
First, ensure information is accurate and complete when submitting it to the screening company. Any discrepancies or missing details could cause delays.
Maintaining patience while being persistent can go a long way in expediting the background check process. Remember, these checks take time to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
Finally, giving everyone a clear overview of the timeline can help. Answering emails about status updates or asking for more information takes up time.
A little tip: Communication is key during this time! Stay in touch with everyone involved to ensure they have everything they need. Additionally, be proactive and provide any extra documentation requested as soon as possible.
Importance of Patience During the Process
Patience is key when waiting for the results of a background check.
For applicants, it’s natural to feel anxious, but rushing can cause mistakes. Do what you need to do, ensure your information is accurate, and you’ll likely be fine. It also helps to be upfront and honest about what the HR leader may find in your background screening.
Remember, thoroughness takes time. While you’re excited about a new job opportunity, remember that checks need careful attention to detail. Rushing might mean missing crucial information that could impact your future.
For HR leaders, know that the longer a check takes, the deeper it will go. This keeps your workforce safe and ensures you make the right hire. Knowing how long a check will take can help you plan things like mass onboarding, hiring timelines, and budget.
If you rush through it, you’re opening yourself up to risk.
Sometimes, there may be a rouge check that takes a little longer – working with a background screening software company can help you understand these roadblocks.
Conclusion: Understanding the Timelines of Background Checks
Knowing how long a background check takes can help set your expectations and ease any unnecessary stress during the process. By understanding the factors that influence the duration, being aware of common delays, and following tips to expedite the process when possible, you can navigate this essential step in hiring with patience and confidence.
Remember that thorough background checks are crucial for making informed decisions, whether it’s for employment screening, rental applications, or other purposes. Stay informed, be patient, and trust that the process will yield valuable insights in due time.
Ready to take your background screening to the next level? Request a demo of Mitratech’s background screening software now.
Our focus? On your success.
Schedule a demo, or learn more about Mitratech’s products, services, and commitment.