Will a Background Check Show Previous Employers?
The short answer is: it depends. While a background check won't necessarily list every previous employer you've ever had, it can certainly reveal many of them, especially those within the recent past. The information revealed depends on several factors, including the type of background check conducted, the information provided by your former employers, and the laws governing the process.
Let's delve deeper into the specifics:
What Information is Typically Included in a Background Check?
A standard background check typically includes:
- Employment History: This section often focuses on your employment history within the past 7-10 years. The check usually verifies the dates of your employment, your job title, and sometimes your salary. This verification is typically done by contacting your previous employers directly.
- Education History: Similar to employment history, background checks often verify your education credentials by contacting the institutions you attended.
- Criminal History: This section looks for any criminal records, including arrests, convictions, and pending charges.
- Credit History: Depending on the job and the employer's requirements, a credit check might be included.
- Driving Record: For positions requiring driving, a motor vehicle report (MVR) is common.
How Do Employers Obtain Employment History Information?
Employers typically use third-party background check companies to conduct these investigations. These companies contact your former employers to verify the information you provided on your application. However, the level of detail they receive is variable and depends on several factors:
- Employer Consent: Many companies have policies restricting the amount of information they can share with background check companies, even with your consent. Some may only confirm dates of employment and job title.
- Data Privacy Laws: Laws like GDPR (in Europe) and various state laws in the US place limitations on what information employers can share about former employees.
- Information Provided by the Employee: If your application has inaccuracies, that can affect the results of the verification.
What Information Might Not Be Included?
While a background check may aim to be comprehensive, some information might not be included:
- Reasons for Leaving: Employers are usually hesitant to disclose the reasons behind your departure from previous roles, citing confidentiality and legal concerns.
- Performance Reviews: Detailed performance evaluations are rarely shared.
- Internal Company Information: Sensitive internal data is off-limits.
Will a Background Check Show Employers From Long Ago?
It's less likely a background check will reveal employers from many years ago. Most background checks focus on a recent timeframe (7-10 years) due to cost, efficiency, and the decreased relevance of older information.
What if an Employer Refuses to Verify My Employment?
If a former employer refuses to verify your employment, it may raise concerns for the hiring manager. However, you should be prepared to explain any potential reasons for this refusal.
In conclusion, a background check will likely reveal many, but not necessarily all, of your previous employers, especially those within the recent past. The extent of information revealed depends on various legal, ethical, and practical considerations.
This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Specific laws and regulations regarding background checks vary by location.
