What Exactly Is a Background Check?
There is often uncertainty when asking: what exactly is a background check? Why does it matter? What does it cover?
Background checks have been on the rise since 2020 and are expected to continue growing over the next few years, with 94% of employers already utilizing them. Since the initial shift to more remote work after the COVID-19 pandemic, companies have relied on background checks to investigate potential employees and maintain compliance. Both remote and in-person opportunities continue to require background checks while addressing recent privacy concerns, including increased social media checks, and ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations. This rise in background checks also reflects broader societal trends toward greater transparency and security. Furthermore, employers are increasingly aware of the need to mitigate risks associated with new hires, which has also contributed to the surge in these practices.
A background check is a valuable tool for learning about an individual’s or business’s personal and legal background from an objective perspective. Whether you’re interested in learning about social media habits, affiliations with controversial groups, criminal history, driving records, or other information, a background check offers a comprehensive view. This information can be obtained through public records, databases, government records, social media, and other sources, all in compliance with federal and state regulations. With various screening options available, background checks are becoming more robust in what they review, reflecting constantly changing trends.
A background check helps mitigate risk by providing insight into whether an individual or business poses a threat to themselves, others, or a company. Almost everyone will need to undergo a background check at some point, with companies of all types and sizes using them. Therefore, understanding what these checks entail is central to navigating the hiring process and ensuring informed decision-making.
Background Checks and Your Rights
There are several protections and legal rights for individuals undergoing the background check process. These include knowing if a background check will be run on you, whether you can obtain a copy of the report, whether the opportunity is employment-related or not, and what can be asked about you on the background forms. In addition, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), governs access to personal records and background check processes, along with state-specific regulations such as the Investigative Consumer Reporting Agency Act (ICRAA) for California, as well as New York State’s Fair Chance Act. Although these are well-known regulations, each state may vary in its laws, so it’s important to be aware of your rights before undergoing a background check.
Who Gets a Background Check?
Nearly every industry may require a background check to verify information and gain a clear understanding of who they’re bringing on board as they reach the final stages of the hiring process. Industries include media and entertainment, sports organizations, law firms, government organizations, employers and human resources, and more. Although a background check may be required across these sectors, there might also be additional client-specific needs and requests for industry-related information. For instance, a business dealing with finances may be more interested in learning about someone with a history of fraud, bankruptcies, or unpaid tax liens. Similarly, sectors with high security or regulatory concerns might require more stringent checks.
Although the typical subject of a background check is an individual, it can be equally important to obtain an in-depth assessment of a business entity. This can include verifying current incorporation status, identifying potential trade names, reviewing litigation history, and examining social media posts or other online activity. Together, this information helps evaluate a company’s reputation and history, aiding in informed decision-making moving forward.
What Are Possible Risks?
A background check can highlight both legal and non-legal risks. For instance, if an individual will be working closely with minors, a sex offender registry search and criminal history check are imperative. A different example would include if someone claims to be an expert in a field, such as a medical professional in a health documentary, a legal analyst in a true crime series, or a climate scientist in an environmental program, credential verification is important to ensure their qualifications, expertise, and overall reliability.
Additionally, understanding past behaviors and patterns can be valuable, such as assessing whether prior issues are likely to reoccur or if they have been ongoing. For example, long-term affiliations with controversial groups or repeated business negligence lawsuits would be highlighted during a background investigation. These checks are also important in protecting current and future employees, as well as customers. These measures help identify broad risk factors, while also allowing for a tailored approach based on a client’s specific needs and any potential red flags that may arise.
Understanding Legal Findings and Supplementary Evidence
When thinking about what a background check may reveal, a criminal history is often the most common concern. While some companies may focus solely on this aspect, there are several other areas of possible research that can be equally as important. A background report can be incredibly useful to understand the severity of any legal matter as well as to identify any other potential causes for concern. Background reports provide insight into both criminal and civil records, bankruptcies, derogatory public filings, driving records, and the sex offender registry.
Further supplementary information can also be found through media research, whether through online databases or even social media posts related to litigation. For example, if someone is suing another party for damages from a car accident, alleging a severe leg injury, but posts pictures of themselves skiing on Instagram, this contradiction can be critical in undermining their claim. Document retrieval services can also provide case-specific information if requested.
The Role of Social Media in Background Checks
In today’s digital age, individuals sometimes put a large portion of their personal information on their social media platforms for others to see. Because of this, social media has become a key area of research in background checks, providing an additional safeguard for clients. Social media platforms include well-known applications and websites such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, as well as less obvious ones like Pinterest, Etsy, and Reddit. Although social media is widely used, certain posts, photos, associations, and affiliations may be controversial and raise concerns, depending on a client’s needs.
Incorporating social media research into the hiring process is valuable as it offers key insights into a candidate’s personality and their potential fit within a company, brand, or show. For example, a candidate’s posts about their hobbies, interests, and interactions with others can provide insights into their social behavior, values, and personal interests. Pictures from social events or posts about community involvement can highlight their interpersonal skills and commitment to causes. This additional perspective can help paint a fuller picture of their personality and how they might fit into a team or company culture.
Commonly flagged areas of concern can include hate speech, illegal activity, threats or acts of violence, exhibition of poor judgment, and possible conflicts with contracts or brand standards. In addition, it is also important to note any affiliations with similar brands or industries as it may present a possible conflict of interest. Furthermore, the 2015 Recruiter Nation Survey advises limiting posts about alcohol or marijuana, ensuring correct spelling and grammar, and sharing any active social volunteer or engagement work.
Credential Verification: Confirming Qualifications and Expertise
Depending on a client’s needs, qualifications like professional licenses, degrees, or business ownership may be required. Credential verification is an additional aspect of a background check that helps to verify these claims and any requested expertise. This can also be useful in understanding any disciplinary actions at work or school, professional license suspensions, or legal matters related to a business affiliations.
International Perspectives: Expanding Background Checks Beyond Borders
In addition to domestic research, international results can be beneficial. Many clients deem international background checks a valuable resource, with 85% considering them essential. This can include business entities and individuals who have lived, studied, or worked outside of the United States. The same results can be obtained through international research, dependent on the country, including criminal and civil records, identification verification, country-specific watch lists, and more. Research can also be conducted in relevant languages for accessibility.
What Background Checks Reveal and Why It Matters
A background check provides a comprehensive picture beyond just legal matters, helping to determine if someone is a good fit for a company by evaluating a multitude of factors. While not every issue in a report is necessarily a red flag, they each offer a chance to discuss the findings in detail. Combining social media research with legal verification sheds light on ethical risks and personal qualities, revealing potential concerns that go beyond legal history. Social media can also offer deeper insights into a person’s character, which may not be apparent from interviews alone. Ultimately, understanding the full scope of a background check is fundamental for all parties. Individuals undergoing a background check should be well-versed in their federal and state rights and how these protections apply throughout the process. As organizations and individuals navigate an era of heightened scrutiny, embracing the full spectrum of background checks can lead to more informed and confident decision-making, setting the stage for a more transparent and trustworthy professional landscape.
Need Help Running a Background Check?
Understanding what shows up in a background check is crucial for making informed decisions, wheather you’re hiring a new employee, screening a tenant, or verifying a professional relationship. At Checkers International, we offer comprehensive and reliable background checks tailored to your specific needs. Don’t leave your decisions to chance-partner with us to gain the insights you need for peace of mind and success.
Ready to take the next steps? Contact Checkers International today and let us help you get the answers you need.
