Background verification

Background verification is the process of verifying an applicant's personal and professional details to ensure accuracy. Conducted before hiring, it helps confirm the candidate's suitability for the role and mitigates potential risks for the employer.

Free Templates to keep your background verification processes seamless: Background Verification Templates and Checklists

What is checked in a background check?

A background check typically reviews a candidate’s personal, professional, and sometimes financial history to verify their suitability for a job or role. Here’s what’s commonly checked:

• Identity Verification: Confirms the person is who they say they are using government-issued ID and Social Security number.
  
• Criminal Records: Searches for any past criminal activity at the federal, state, and county levels.
  
• Employment History: Verifies previous job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving.
  
• Education Verification: Confirms degrees, certifications, and dates of attendance.
  
• Credit Report (for some roles): Especially for financial or high-responsibility positions, a credit check may be done to assess financial responsibility.
  
• Driving Records: Relevant for roles involving driving; checks for violations, DUIs, or license status.
  
• Reference Checks: Contacts former employers or professional references to gauge character and work performance.
  
• Social Media/Online Presence (if applicable): Some employers review public social media profiles for professionalism and conduct.

The scope of the check can vary based on the role, industry, and local laws or regulations. Employers must obtain your written consent before conducting most background checks.

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Is BGV (Background Verification) done before joining?

It depends on the company’s policy, but typically:

• In most cases, background verification (BGV) starts after a candidate accepts the job offer but is completed either before or shortly after joining.
  
• Some companies make the offer conditional on successful BGV and complete it before the joining date.
  
• Others allow candidates to join and complete the BGV in parallel, especially if the onboarding timeline is tight.
  

If any discrepancies are found during the BGV, the employer may take action depending on the severity—ranging from discussions to revoking the offer or employment.

It's always a good idea to provide accurate and honest information in your resume and application to avoid any issues during BGV.