Skip to main content

How do background checks work?

James
  • Updated

This article will help you:

  • Outline the different steps of the background check process
  • Determine which steps you (the employer) take and which steps the candidate takes
Are you a candidate who is applying for a job or undergoing a background check? If so, please visit our Candidate FAQs to see answers to our most common questions or get help from our Candidate Support team.

CHECKR CUSTOMERS:

See our Checkr Check-In video for an overview of the criminal background check process in five minutes:

The background check process, in a nutshell

Conducting background checks is a complex process, but we can simplify it to a few steps.

At a high level, this is what happens:

background_check_process.png

  1. You request a background check.
  2. The candidate receives an email requesting that they authorize the check and provide their information.
  3. The candidate enters their personally identifying information (PII) securely and signs a disclosure, consent and authorization form electronically.



  4. The report typically takes 3-5 business days to be processed.
  5. After the screenings finish, the report is completed and will be found in the Candidates section of the Dashboard.



  6. You review the report and determine the candidate's eligibility based on their completed report. Based on that information, you decide whether to engage the candidate or initiate an Adverse Action.

 

If you use Checkr's hosted flow, Checkr will securely host the disclosures and other relevant forms.

Checkr screens both private and public databases to check for records that match the full name, date of birth, and sometimes address history of the candidate. This process is not as instantaneous as one may think, and often requires a manual check of public government records. 

 

How do background checks help your business?

Background checks benefit both the consumer (the subject of the background report) and end user (an employer or contractee) in a variety of legal and practical ways.

  • Contract positions entail a level of risk between the customer and contractor. By requiring your sub contractors to undergo a background check before interfacing with the public, you can establish a community of trust and transparency.
  • Employers maintain the quality of their workforce. The background check process encourages honesty and communication with the employer, while employees maintain peace of mind amongst their colleagues.
  • Mitigate negligent hiring and wrongful termination lawsuits. The cost of employee litigation can cripple company capital and resources, and conducting a formal process to screen your employees will help you navigate legal requirements.

 

 

 

 

Related articles