How Long Does a Pre-Employment Background Check Take?

What Is The Timeline For A Pre-Employment Background Check?

Whether you are an employer who is excited about hiring a new employee or a job seeker who has finally snagged that job offer you have been hoping for, you might be wondering, how long does a pre-employment background check take? A pre-employment background check is used by employers to learn additional information about the candidate whom they are hiring to fill a position. Chances are, if you are in the process of being approved for a position, you might be wondering, “how do I know if I passed my background check?” Or, if your background check is taking a long time, you might be wondering “how long does a background check take?” Let’s answer all of your questions about pre-employment background checks.

How Long Does a Pre-Employment Background Check Take?

Generally, a pre-employment background check takes between 48 hours and five business days. Unfortunately, there is no one answer for how long a pre-employment background check might take. Several factors can affect how long a pre-employment background check takes, including the type of background check, the amount of work and education history you have, and more.

Everything You Need to Know About Pre-Employment Background Checks

Chances are, at some point you will go through a background check before you secure a position. A recent survey found that 94% of employers conducted at least one type of background screening.

What Is a Pre-Employment Background Check?

A pre-employment background check is an important part of the hiring process. The background check consists of investigating the authenticity of the information given on a candidate’s resume and application before issuing a job offer.

What Is the Purpose of a Pre-Employment Background Check?

Companies want to ensure that they are making a good hire who will hopefully be with the organization for a long time. The purpose of a pre-employment background check is to make sure the candidate is truthful and doesn’t have an unscrupulous past that might affect their employment.

What Is Covered in a Pre-Employment Background Check?

Different employers might conduct different types of background checks. A standard background check includes your name, birthday, and social security number, and collects data on the person from a variety of public and private databases.

Generally, a pre-employment background check will cover the following areas:

Identity Verification

This step ensures that the job applicant has provided an accurate name and social security number. It also checks that you are a U.S. citizen and have a legal right to work in the country.

Criminal History

Most employers check to see if the applicant has been convicted of a crime, is on probation, has any outstanding warrants, or is on a sex offender registry or criminal watchlist.

Employment History

The next step is to check with the companies the applicant was formerly employed by and for how long to verify that they offered an accurate work history.

Education Background

Similar to checking the work history, typically an employer will want to verify the accuracy of the universities and degrees listed on the candidate’s resume.

Government-Issued Licenses

Some positions require a government-issued credential check, like CPAs, teachers, and medical positions.

Motor Vehicle Records

A motor vehicle records check is especially important for any roles that require driving. This will tell your potential employer if you have been involved in any accidents or received any citations.

Credit Check

Many employers will conduct a credit check as part of the background check to determine if the applicant is financially responsible. This step is typically taken if the position involves managing a budget or having access to company funds.

How to Pass My Pre-Employment Background Check

You can ensure that you pass your pre-employment background check by taking a few key steps. First, ensure that all information you submit to the employer is accurate and correct to the best of your knowledge. Additionally, complete any forms and authorizations as quickly as possible. One of the biggest job search mistakes is being dishonest when applying for a position.

How Do I Know If I Passed My Background Check?

Are you wondering “how do I know if I passed my background check?” Once the company receives your completed background check, a hiring manager will review it. If you passed, you will likely be notified with a job offer!

How Many People Fail Background Checks?

Several factors can disqualify you on a background check. Unfortunately, there are no official statistics on the number of applicants who fail their pre-employment background checks.

How Long Does a Background Check Take?

As a job candidate, you might also be curious to know how long your background check will take to complete. The length of your background check might depend on various factors. Every candidate’s history is different.

For example, during the background check, a recruiter might get in touch with all of your past employers. If you only have one or two past employers, this might not take very long. But if you have an extensive work history, it may take more time. It also depends on how extensive the background check is.

Don’t fret if your background check is taking a long time! The key to passing your is to never lie on your resume or application. Even if you are underqualified for a job, always be honest.

Jobs That Don’t Do Background Checks

If you are unsure if a job requires a background check, be sure to read the job description ahead of time. If you are concerned about your ability to pass a background check, it is possible to find jobs that do not require a background check.

Find Your Next Job (And Pass Your Next Background Check!) With Brightwing Talent Experts

If you are hoping to pass your next pre-employment background check and secure the right position for you, consider working with Brightwing Talent Experts. Our team works with you to not only help you find the next right career move but get the job offer! When you work with us, you never have to wonder “how do I know if I passed my background check?”

Or, if you are looking to fill a job quickly without skipping the pre-employment background check process, working with a recruiting company like Brightwing can help you fill a job faster.