Many prospective employers will do a background check before hiring to see whether an applicant's submitted information checks out. Usually this is done in a timely manner, but there are situations that can delay the process. Employers are trying to confirm that you do not have any reported incidents in your past that would prevent you from being a legitimate candidate for employment. If there are any types of discrepancies, the employee might have to provide clarification.
Time Frame
A background check normally takes about one to three business days, but it can take longer depending on how extensive the search is and what has to be verified. Sometimes an employer will attempt to verify information but they are unable to do so because no record can be found. They might have to contact the employee for more clarification regarding names, dates and phone numbers. If all of the information is not readily available, a background check can take longer. A previous employer might have closed shop, gone out of business or moved.
Extensive
Depending on the company and the job, a background check can be detailed and might include items such as character references, drug test records, personal references, neighbor interviews, sex offender lists and sometimes property records. There are some instant background checks that can be done but they don't yield quality information. To get all of the factual information about an applicant, searches should be more in depth. A detailed search lessens the likelihood of a hiring error.
Criminal Search
An employer can search to see whether you have ever been convicted of a crime. If you have been arrested, your employer will have access to that information if the arrest led to a conviction. Also, your information is accessible if you have a trial that is pending.
Outsource
About 80 percent of the corporations in the United States perform background checks. Most companies will outsource this function to other organizations that can perform the background check more efficiently and effectively.
Delays
If you have personal references that need to be contacted and for some reason they cannot be reached, the background search will be delayed. The agency or company performing the search will continue with their efforts to reach them until contact is made.
Information/Availability
Background checks can take more time than usual if the source of certain information chooses to send information through the mail as opposed to fax or email. Other sources of information will respond when it is convenient for them, which further delays the background search. Many companies will shut down during certain parts of the year because of holidays. A number of colleges, universities, and schools will close between semesters or terms and the background check can take even longer.
