How Long Does A Background Check Take?

Every job seeker who is applying for a job that includes background screening has two major queries.

a) What is a background check?

b) How long does it take?

If you are also finding the answers to these questions, then you are in the right place.

Answers

a) Background check means the screening process the employer undertakes to check whether your application is true or not, whether you will be a liability or an asset to the institution, and whether you are suitable for the job.

b) The second question is a blend of numerous small doubts. Let’s clear all the doubts one by one.

How Long Do Pre Employment Background Checks Take?

Generally, the duration of a pre-employment screening ranges from 2 to 5 business days. However, the length depends on specific factors such as the institution and position for which a person has applied. For example, FBI background check lasts for almost 30 days.

What Are They Looking for in a Background Check?

If you have applied for a job, you might be wondering What shows up on a background check? What are the factors that will affect your background screening? Don’t worry! We will clear all your doubts here. 

A Survey from Indeed States There Are Three Main Aspects Included in a Background Screening.

1. Identity

In the background screening, the employer will go through your application and check if you are the person who you claim to be. Identity check is the first step taken in the majority pre-employment background investigation.

2. Criminal record

Every employment screening involves a criminal record check. Through this, the employer makes sure that you won’t bring a bad name to the institution. Your past criminal and court records have a significant influence on the final decision- whether you will be hired. The majority of the institutions tend to hire applicants with clean criminal records.

3. Employment history

These checks aim to test whether you are suitable for the applied job or not. Checking your employment history provides an insight into your work experience and capabilities. Your previous jobs, references from your past employers, and your previous positions are all included in your employment history check.

Along with this education, professional qualification and credit history are some critical elements checked while conducting a background screening. 

Why Is Your Background Check Taking So Long?

1. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard from your employer yet. Probably your check is taking so long because one of the following obstructions has caused a delay- If you have provided incomplete information in the form, then delay is inevitable. For example, if you wrote your nickname instead of your official name.

2. The process involves contacting with education institutions and past employers. If the sources do not return calls on time there could be a delay.

3. In background screening, public records are also checked. The government institutions have certain timelines. And some institution still maintains files and archive. These restrictions could cause a delay.

4. Legal restrictions also cause a delay. The duration of the pre-employment investigation varies from state to state due to the difference in legal complications.

5. Many other uncertain reasons can make you wait longer. For example, bad weather can stop the employer from reaching out to the sources.

How To Speed up Checks?

1. Submit your application in time and ensure you submit before the holiday season to avoid delay.

2. Always be available for your employer and provide him with all the necessary information. Your quick and complete response will help in speeding up the process.

3. Reach out to the sources and make sure they reply promptly to your employer.

“Your background has a lot to do with your approach to movement.” — Cholly Atkins

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I worry about a background check?

If you were honest in your application, the answer is no. The purpose of background screening is to check if your application is honest or not. The employer wants to check whether you will be an asset or a liability for the institution. If you have a clean criminal record, impressive employment history, and fine credit history, there is nothing to worry about.

2. How can I pass a background check?

Before applying for the job, go and perform a background investigation on yourself. Verify your legal records and know beforehand what your employer will find out. Once you know your position you can truthfully fill your application and address all the problems in advance. The key to passing this is to keep your background clean. It is not an examination that you can pass by preparing overnight. You build your experience as you grow. For now, just fill your application honestly.

3. How do I know if I passed my background check?

The employer islegally bound to inform you if you passed or failed your background test. Once you pass the check you will be notified by the employer. If the background screening takes place as the last stage of hiring then you will know that you passed when you are hired.

4. Does a background check mean I have the job?

Not necessarily. The answer to this question varies from intuition to institution and employer to employer. If the employer considers this the last step in the hiring process then yes, passing the background test will imply that they will hire you. But some institutions have stages after a background investigation and before hiring you.

5. What will make you fail a background check?

Providing wrong information in the job application increases the chances of failure. Your identity, criminal record, education history, and employment history will all be checked during the background screening. And the higher number of black spots found in your background the greater are the chances of failure. No institution wants to hire a liability or a bad name. If the information provided by you turns out to be false or your criminal record is not satisfying then you can fail the check. Some employers consider the screening successful only when all the elements investigated are satisfactory.

“Don’t worry about your background, whether it’s odd or ordinary, use it, build on it.” — Gloria Steinem     

6. Why is my background check still pending for a job?

Many factors can be responsible for this delay. Maybe your past employer or educational institute hasn’t replied to your employer. May be due to bad weather conditions the background screening has paused. May be due to incomplete information; the employer is not able to verify your information in time. 

7. What happens if you fail a background check?

A failure in the background investigation could lead to disqualification. The employers tend to reject the candidates whose background screening reveals falsified information. Failure in this leaves a bad impression on your employer and reduces your chances of being hired to negligible. If you fail in a background check, it means you are not in the running anymore.

8. What if my background check is wrong?

If you find any error in your background check, you can take measures to correct them. As suggested by flexjobs- once you get your copy of the check thoroughly examine and point out the errors. The next step is to track the source of that error. If there is a criminal error you can approach the state bureau of identification for rectifying the mistake. If there is an error then you have to step up and correct it.

9. What does Level 1 mean on the background check?

Level 1 implies the basic background check. The majority of employers stop background screening at this level. As described by private eye background checks- in level 1, the screening is limited to the territories of the state in which you are currently living. Level 1 includes identity, state criminal record, employment history, and other essential information.

Conclusion

Now the majority of your doubts regarding the background check must be cleared. You know the meaning and duration of an employment background investigation. You know how to pass and speed up your background screening. You are aware of the consequences if you fail the check and the steps you can take to rectify errors in it. If you honestly fill your application then you have nothing to worry about. Inform the employer about the black spots in your background beforehand, and ensure that he trusts you as an asset for his institute. If you are a hard-working and honest candidate then the background investigation is just a formality and you don’t need to stress about it.