Just wondering if anybody knows: exactly what information is contained in the background checks that employers use when considering new hires? Is it just criminal record-type stuff, or do they have access to more personal areas of your life? I don’t have a criminal record, but I was recently fired for a certain evil deed - can my last employer give out this information? When I was a manager, I was told we could only verify employment and give dayes of employment - anybody know about the legalities involved here? Should I just give up the job search and go on welfare?
I’m in the business of back ground checks.
It usually includes:
Credit checks from one of the three national credit bureus, Equifax, Experian or Trans Union.
Usually involves a criminal background check. These records are a matter of public domain, and there are companies who specialize in just compiling these records.
Checks are made into previous employers, but most companies have limited themselves to giving out little information such as name, rank and dates. Period. There is room under the law to give out more, but some lawsuits by former employees have made companies afraid to give more than the minimum information.
A background check can also include interviewing references, neighbors, and co-workers.
It can also include an in-depth public record search for everything from civil judgements, liens and bankruptcies, unless the credit report already revealed these.
Trans Union Employment Screening Services is a company that provides one-stop-shopping for employers looking to do background checks. They compile all the information into one comprehensive report. 