Can a Background Check Show Past Employers?
Yes, a background check can show past employers, but the information revealed depends on the type of background check conducted and the laws in your specific location. Let's break down what you need to know.
What Information is Typically Included?
Standard background checks often include verification of employment history. This usually involves:
- Employer Names and Addresses: The names and addresses of your previous employers will typically appear. This allows the background check company to contact them.
- Dates of Employment: The start and end dates of your employment at each company are usually included. Discrepancies between what you provide and what the employer confirms can raise red flags.
- Job Titles: Your job title(s) at each company are usually reported.
- Verification of Employment: The background check company will attempt to verify the information you provided by contacting your previous employers. They may ask about your job responsibilities, performance, and reason for leaving.
Important Note: Employers typically will only confirm your dates of employment and job title. Many states have laws protecting employers from divulging more detailed information about a former employee's performance or reason for leaving, unless it's legally required (for instance, in certain legal cases).
Types of Background Checks and Their Scope:
Different background checks provide varying levels of detail regarding your employment history:
- Basic Background Checks: These usually only verify dates of employment and job titles. They may not contact former employers directly.
- Comprehensive Background Checks: These go further, potentially contacting former employers to inquire about performance and reasons for leaving. However, as mentioned earlier, the response is often limited due to legal protections.
- Specialized Background Checks: Depending on the industry or job, more specialized checks may be conducted. For instance, a security clearance background check would be far more extensive.
What Employers Can't Usually See:
While a background check might list your past employers, it generally doesn't reveal:
- Detailed Performance Reviews: Specific comments from performance reviews are usually protected information.
- Reasons for Leaving (beyond stated): Unless explicitly stated by the employee or required by legal processes, the specifics behind an employee's departure are typically kept confidential.
- Confidential Internal Information: Information that's considered confidential within a company is typically not disclosed.
What if My Information is Incorrect?
If you believe there are inaccuracies in your employment history on a background check, you have the right to dispute the information. You should contact the background check company directly and provide evidence to support your claim.
Legal Considerations and State Laws:
The specific information accessible on a background check is governed by federal and state laws. These laws vary significantly. It's essential to understand the specific regulations in your location.
In summary:
A background check can and often does show your past employers, but the level of detail provided is limited by law and the type of background check performed. The main information usually verified is employment dates and job titles. Detailed performance reviews or reasons for leaving are generally not disclosed.
