When a company does a background check, what's involved?

Factual Questions
1

I went on a very positive interview yesterday for a great company here, and basically, she told me the job was mine contingent upon a background check - I did fill out a piece of paper authorizing it - asked for my usual info, name, address, prior addresses, DL#, SS#, phone, etc. She said it would take 2-3 days, and she’d call me to start after she got it back. It’s only a temp job to start with, but has the possibility to turn into something permanent.

What are they looking at usually? They’re using my DL# and my SS#, in addition to the usual info. I have no convictions, nothing in my past that’s evil or anything. I do have crappy credit, but no bankruptcies or anything, and I can’t expect that a low credit score would be a reason to not give me the job.

So what exactly would they be looking for? And how long do they usually take? She told me 2-3 days, and of course, nervous me is all panicky (yes, the interview was yesterday) - my mother’s already told me to take a break, but I get anxious over these things. Can someone tell me what kind of things they’ll look for, and how long it might take?

Thanks!

E.

2

Depending on the type of job, the laws in your juridiction etc. it could cover all sorts of things. Your prospective employer may contact:

  • former employers;
  • anyone whose name you gave as a referee;
  • any educational institute from which you claim to have qualifications and so on.
3

As for the criminal background check, usually thats to find the things you spoke about in your OP as not having. So you should be fine.
If you handle money or learn anything “private” that the company wishes to remain private, your credit history may matter.
Good Luck!

4

Found this good little summary it may be of help.

Using Background Checks

5

That’s good. Thanks - I’m not really nervous any longer. She specifically asked if she could contact one of my former supervisors, and I granted verbal permission - he’s a great guy and I’m not concerned about him. The temp agency that I’m going through has also done reference checks, I believe, so it seems to me that they’re doing SS# verification, criminal checks, and possibly a driver safety check (I won’t be driving a car, though). I won’t be handling large amounts of money (as far as I know, all I’ll be handling are checks that come through the mail), so that shouldn’t be an issue.

Anyone have an idea of how long it will take, though? I’m not really concerned about anything coming back incorrect - I don’t have a shady background or anything. I’m just kind of anxious to get working, you know?

E.

6

D’oh - and I don’t have any arrests, either, not just convictions. The most I’ve ever had is a speeding ticket.

I think I’m worrying unecessarily.

E.