What Does a Background Check Show?

What Does a Criminal History Background Check Show?

A criminal history background check is one of the most common types of background checks. It is used across industries to help protect employees and employers. The results of a criminal history background check typically show:

• Felony and misdemeanor convictions: These can range from theft and assault to more serious crimes.
• Arrests and pending charges: Depending on the jurisdiction, arrests and ongoing court cases may appear.
• Warrants: Active warrants for someone’s arrest may also show up.
• Sex offender registry status: Many criminal background checks include a search of state or federal sex offender registries.
• Incarceration records: Information about previous time served in jail or prison.

These records are often sourced from local, state, and federal databases. However, there may also be limits to how far back a criminal background check can go depending on the state, so it’s important to check the rules for the state you are hiring in.

What Does an Employment Verification Background Check Show?

Employment verification background checks confirm whether a candidate’s reported work history matches their actual experience. This means that if someone said they were the VP of Marketing at a Fortune 500 company, you get confirmation of it. It prevents you from hiring someone who puts on the facade of experience – saving your entire company a lot of headaches.

This type of check reveals the following:

• Job titles: Verification of the roles a candidate has held.
• Dates of employment: Confirmation of the duration of each role.
• Duties and responsibilities: In some cases, employers may share information about the candidate’s role and responsibilities.
• Reasons for leaving: Although not always provided, some employers disclose why the individual left their position.

By verifying employment history, organizations can identify if the candidate is exaggerating any of their experience and confirm a candidate’s qualifications. While not all workplaces will need to do this, it’s a good resource for employers who need specific experience.

What Does a Motor Vehicle Record Report Show?

For any industry that requires driving or operating machinery, a motor vehicle record (MVR) report is imperative. MVR reports are also required for all businesses that are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

This report typically includes:

• Driving history: Traffic violations, accidents, and DUIs.
  License status: Whether the license is valid, suspended, or expired.
  Endorsements: Specialized certifications, such as a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and the class of vehicle they are allowed to drive.
  Points on the license: Depending on the state, the report may include how many points an individual has received from prior violations.

Reviewing an applicant’s driving record ensures compliance with safety regulations and helps reduce liability risks for roles involving transportation. Monitor driving records regularly to spot any infractions to keep yourself, your fleet, and your employees safe.

What Does a Social Security Background Check Show?

Also known as an SSN trace, this identity verification check confirms that the person is who they claim to be.

These checks reveal:

• Legal name: Matches the name provided by the candidate with government records and includes other associated names.
• Social Security Number (SSN) validation: Ensures the SSN is valid and not associated with fraudulent activity.
• Date of birth and address history: Cross-references reported information with public and private databases.

Did you know: SSN traces are usually the first step in the background check process, before more comprehensive searches like criminal record checks or credit reports. Why? It ensures the accuracy of the information being reviewed.

What Does an Education Background Check Show?

Education background checks confirm the academic credentials that candidates list on their resumes and other related information, including:

• Degrees earned: Verification of diplomas, certifications, and degrees.
• Dates of attendance: Ensures the timeline matches what was reported.
• Institution accreditation: Confirms that the institution is recognized and reputable.
• Honors or distinctions: Some checks may verify honors or awards claimed.

This type of screening helps employers confirm that candidates have the educational qualifications required for the job.

What Does a Social Media Background Check Show?

Social media background checks are still relatively new and review an individual’s online activity to identify potential risks or red flags by covering:

• Publicly shared posts: Content that may reflect poorly on the individual, such as offensive language or concerning behavior.
• Behavior patterns: Insights into how the person engages with others online.
• Cultural alignment: Indications of whether the candidate’s values align with the company’s culture.

While these checks provide valuable insights, they must be conducted carefully to avoid discrimination based on protected class information outlined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

What Does a Drug Test Show?

Drug tests are a common part of the pre-employment screening process and can reveal the presence of illegal or controlled substances in someone’s system. These tests typically detect:

• Common substances: Such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and alcohol.
• Prescription drugs: Some tests may indicate misuse of prescription medications.
• Testing windows: Drug tests can vary in their detection periods, from recent use (urine tests) to long-term use (hair tests).

Employers use drug tests to ensure a safe workplace, comply with industry regulations, and ensure productivity. It is also absolutely necessary in safety-sensitive roles like transportation and healthcare to reduce risk and maintain legal compliance.

It is also worth noting that there is a growing number of employers moving away from testing for marijuana, especially in states where it is now legal. To learn more about this movement, check out our blog, “Clearing the Haze: Exploring the Movement Away from Marijuana Testing.”

What Does a Credit Check Show?

Credit checks provide insight into an individual’s financial responsibility and are commonly used in roles that involve handling money or sensitive financial information.

A credit check for employment will not reveal a credit score, but it will include:

• Account information: Available credit and account balances.
• Debt and repayment history: Information about loans, credit card balances, and payment behavior.
• Bankruptcies and liens: Records of financial difficulties or legal claims against the individual.

There are additional precautions that must be taken if you decide to run a credit check due to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA requires employers to notify a candidate if they are running a credit report, get written permission, and go through the adverse action process if they choose to reject employment based on the report.

What Do Certification and License Checks Show?

Certification and license checks verify that a candidate has the necessary qualifications for specialized roles. This information could include:

• Certification validity: Confirmation that certifications are current and valid.
• License details: Date the license was issued and the specific license number.
• Licensing status: Includes expiration date to ensure the candidate holds an active license.
• Disciplinary actions: Details of any suspensions or revocations from the licensing agency.

Employers rely on these checks to ensure compliance and to confirm candidates are qualified to perform their duties legally.

The Importance of Continuous Monitoring

The assurances offered by background checks aren’t only relevant during the initial hire—continuous monitoring is increasingly becoming a best practice for many organizations. Continuous monitoring involves regularly checking employees’ records to:

• Ensure compliance: Stay updated with industry regulations and legal requirements.
• Mitigate risks: Quickly address any issues that arise, such as new criminal charges or license suspensions.
• Promote workplace safety: Maintain a safe and secure environment for all employees.

By implementing ongoing monitoring, organizations can stay proactive and address potential issues before they escalate.

How the Right Screening Partner Can Help

Background checks are critical to help you make the right hiring decisions, and having the right background screening partner for your needs can make it even easier to hire efficiently while maintaining compliance.

Mitratech’s background screening delivers a fast, accurate, and 100% compliant screening process that is simple for both HR professionals and candidates to navigate. Learn more about how we can help you with your screening needs by scheduling a quick demo with our team today!