What can employers find out in a background check?
-Criminal record. Almost all employers who screen their employees search for convictions in counties where the person has lived.
-Social Security check. This check, which looks at the names and addresses associated by credit bureaus with an applicant’s Social Security number, helps confirm the applicant’s identity.
-Employment history. Employers verify the dates of employment, title and salary history.
-Education. Employers verify degrees, professional licenses and certifications.
-Driving record. This is checked if the job involves driving.
-Credit reports. Companies generally don’t look at applicants’ credit reports unless it’s relevant to the job.
-Workers’ compensation claims. Employers tend to be cautious about looking at these records because of strict state laws about how they can be used.
-Civil court records. These searches are rare and usually focus on job-related lawsuits.