A background check is a process used by a person or company to verify the identity of an individual and check the validity of their criminal record, education, employment history, and other past activities. The purpose, frequency, and legitimacy of background checks vary among countries, industries, and individuals. Employers often request background checks on job candidates for employment screening, especially for candidates seeking a position that requires high security or a position of trust, such as in a school, courthouse, hospital, financial institution, airport, and government. Background checks in the corporate realm have become a commonplace practice for many companies, aimed at mitigating legal liabilities and preventing adverse actions within their workforce.

Background checks can reveal a wide range of information about an employees past, including their work history, education, criminal history, and more. The methods used to complete these checks include comprehensive database searches and personal references. Employers use background checks to verify a candidate’s work history, experience, and education, as well as search for any past criminal activity. The information obtained from a background check can help employers make informed decisions and mitigate risks to the organization, its workforce, and customers.

The types of information that can be obtained from a background check include criminal records, education, employment history, motor vehicle records, credit history, and more. However, not all of this information may be permissible or even necessary for every role. For instance, driving records are typically not requested unless the employee will be operating a vehicle as part of their job. There are also various federal and state regulations that govern when an individual’s criminal history and credit report may be accessed.

Background checks are conducted using third-party resources to look into public records, law enforcement, credit bureaus, academic records, and previous work history. The process starts with verification of an individuals identity based on the information they provide, including date of birth and Social Security number. Searches are then conducted using a variety of public databases and court records depending on the type of information sought.

In summary, background checks are a process used to verify the identity of an individual and check the validity of their criminal record, education, employment history, and other past activities. Employers often request background checks on job candidates for employment screening, especially for candidates seeking a position that requires high security or a position of trust. The information obtained from a background check can help employers make informed de...