The term "consider" on a background check is a bit ambiguous and its meaning depends heavily on context. It's not a standardized term used consistently across all background check companies. Instead of a precise definition, it usually indicates that something is being evaluated or weighed as part of the overall assessment. It's not a simple "yes" or "no" but suggests a more nuanced judgment call.
To understand what "consider" means in your specific case, you need to examine the entire report and look at the surrounding information. It's crucial to understand what specific piece of information is being "considered." This could be anything from a past arrest, a prior conviction, a civil judgment, or even employment history discrepancies.
What Information Might Be "Considered"?
Here are some examples of information that might be flagged as "considered" during a background check:
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Past Arrests: An arrest doesn't necessarily mean a conviction. The background check might "consider" the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the final disposition of the case (e.g., dismissed, acquitted, conviction), and the length of time since the arrest occurred.
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Prior Convictions: The nature of the crime, the date of the conviction, and the sentence received will all be "considered." The severity and recency of the conviction are key factors.
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Civil Judgments: Outstanding debts or lawsuits may be "considered" as part of the assessment. The amount of the judgment and whether it's been paid are relevant factors.
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Employment History Gaps or Discrepancies: Inconsistent or incomplete employment information might be "considered" and further investigated.
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Educational Background: While less common, discrepancies or inconsistencies in stated educational achievements might be "considered."
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Driving Record: Traffic violations, accidents, or license suspensions are frequently "considered." The seriousness and recency of the infractions are weighed.
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Credit Report Information: While not always explicitly stated as "considered," factors like bankruptcies, high debt-to-income ratio, or a history of late payments are all taken into account during a comprehensive background check.
What to Do If You See "Consider" on Your Background Check
If you see the word "consider" on your background check, don't panic. Instead:
- Review the entire report carefully: Pay close attention to the specific information being flagged.
- Contact the background check company: Ask for clarification on what the "consider" designation means in the context of your report. They should be able to provide specific details about why this information is being flagged.
- Understand the context: The meaning of "consider" will depend on the type of background check and the employer requesting it. A minor infraction might be overlooked in one context but could be a significant factor in another.
Is "Consider" a Negative?
It's impossible to say definitively whether "consider" is positive or negative without more context. It simply means that information is being evaluated, not that it's automatically disqualifying. However, it's a signal that the information needs further scrutiny.
Why Is This Term Used?
The vague nature of "consider" is likely due to several factors:
- Legal considerations: Background check companies may use this term to avoid giving a definitive judgment that could have legal implications.
- Nuance in evaluation: The decision-making process is often complex and involves weighing various factors, and "consider" reflects this.
- Lack of standardization: Unfortunately, there isn't a universally accepted definition of "consider" in the background check industry.
Ultimately, the meaning of "consider" on your background check is dependent upon the specifics of your report and requires further investigation. Don't hesitate to seek clarification from the background check provider to understand the implications fully.
