Background Screening FAQ
Preparing for your Background Screening
Any conviction of a misdemeanor or felony, or legally reportable non-conviction will be reported on a background check. This depends on how long the information is stored by the city, county and state courts. Some states hold convictions for 30+ years while others for only 7 years. Non-convictions are only reported for 7 years under Federal FCRA regulations. Employers have varying policies in how far back they go for background screening information. These verifications simply check the information you’ve provided on your resume or application. This includes the dates, certificates, and diplomas you listed and as allowed per company policy, salary, reason for leaving, and eligibility for rehire. It depends on the length of your address history, how long it takes past employers to respond to verification requests, and the quality of information provided by the candidate.
After Your Background Check
Regardless of the state you live in, under FCRA guidelines, you may request a copy of your report if you are denied employment. Some states have their own FCRA rules which allow you access to your report even if you’re hired. Check your consent form for specific information about your state. This depends on the organization’s own hiring policy. Some cities, counties, and states have specific guidelines for using criminal records in the hiring process and your employer will comply with those. However, a criminal record does not bar you from employment. Check with the company’s HR department for guidance and be honest about your situation. Employers tend to be more undrstanding if given accurate information.