What Shows Up On A Background Check?

Introduction

Background checks are becoming increasingly common in today’s society. Employers, landlords, and even potential romantic partners use them to learn more about the people they are dealing with. But what exactly shows up on a background check? In this article, we’ll explore the different types of background checks and what information they typically reveal.

Types of Background Checks

Employment Background Checks

Employment background checks are the most common type of background check. They are usually conducted by employers before they hire a new employee. These checks typically include a criminal background check, as well as verification of education, employment history, and references.

Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks are used to determine if someone has a criminal history. These checks can reveal information about arrests, convictions, and even outstanding warrants. They may also include information about sex offender status and other criminal offenses.

Credit Checks

Credit checks are used to determine an individual’s creditworthiness. They reveal information about an individual’s credit history, including any late payments, bankruptcies, or foreclosures. Employers may use credit checks as part of the employment screening process, especially for positions that involve handling money or sensitive financial information.

Driving Record Checks

Driving record checks are used to determine an individual’s driving history. They reveal information about traffic violations, accidents, and license suspensions. Employers may use driving record checks as part of the employment screening process, especially for positions that involve driving company vehicles.

Reference Checks

Reference checks are used to verify an individual’s employment history and credentials. They typically involve contacting previous employers or other references listed on a job application or resume.

What Information Shows Up on a Background Check?

The information that shows up on a background check depends on the type of check being conducted. However, some common types of information that may be included are:

• Full name, date of birth, and social security number
• Current and previous addresses
• Criminal history, including arrests and convictions
• Civil court records, including bankruptcies and lawsuits
• Driving record, including traffic violations and accidents
• Credit history, including credit score and payment history
• Employment history, including job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving
• Education history, including degrees and certifications earned
• Reference checks, including contact information for previous employers and other references

What Doesn’t Show Up on a Background Check?

There are some types of information that typically do not show up on a background check. These include:

• Medical history
• Personal financial information, such as bank account numbers
• Race, gender, or ethnicity
• Religious affiliation
• Political affiliation
• Sexual orientation

Conclusion

Background checks are an important tool for employers, landlords, and others to learn more about the people they are dealing with. The information that shows up on a background check depends on the type of check being conducted, but typically includes information about an individual’s criminal history, credit history, and employment history. It’s important to note that some types of information, such as medical history and personal financial information, do not typically show up on a background check.