Conducting a Background Check: What You Need To Know

Whether you’re an employer looking to hire a new employee or a renter screening a prospective tenant, conducting a background check is an important step in the process. But what exactly does a background check entail? And what do you need to know before you request one? Keep reading to find out.

Who needs to conduct a background check?

A background check is a process of reviewing the criminal history, education, employment, and reference checks of an individual or applicant. Background checks can be performed by an organization or individual for various reasons such as employment, housing, or even just personal peace of mind.

There are several scenarios in which conducting a background check is common:

• Verifying a job applicant’s employer history
• Obtaining the address and rental history of a prospective tenant
• Finding out if a potential romantic partner or caregiver has a criminal record
• Determining if an individual (e.g., a neighbor) is listed on a sex offender registry

Before conducting a background check, it’s important to gather some necessary information, including the first and last name of the person you are checking, their date of birth, and their Social Security number (optional). You will also need to know what type of check you are running and where to find the records needed for that type of check.

What are the different types of background checks?

When an individual is looking to conduct a background check on another person, there are specific things that they need to know in order to do so effectively. The first step is understanding the different types of checks that can be conducted. Three of the most common types of background checks are criminal history, credit history, and driving record checks.

Criminal history checks will show any convictions the person has had, including misdemeanors and felonies. Additionally, the check will show any arrests or incarcerations. Juvenile offenses and civil court proceedings are not typically included in a criminal record.

Credit history checks will show any bankruptcies, liens, or judgments against the person. This can affect a person’s credit score and make it harder to get a loan, lease an apartment, or—in some cases—get a job.

Driving record checks will show any driving offenses the person has committed. This can include speeding tickets, DUIs, and accidents. This information can be helpful in determining if a person is a safe driver. If a person has a history of DUIs, for example, they may not be a safe driver and may be a risk on the road.

How much does it cost to conduct a background check?

There may be some costs associated with conducting a background check. The most obvious cost is the price of the background check itself. However, there are other costs to consider as well. For example, you may need to hire a lawyer to help you with the process.

You may also need to pay for copies of court records or other documents related to the person’s background. Finally, you may need to travel to different courthouses or other locations in order to get the information you need.

How long does it take to conduct a background check?

A background check can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the level of detail required and how quickly the necessary information can be gathered. Generally, the process begins with obtaining consent from the subject of the check.

Next, the applicant’s name is run through various databases to determine if they have any criminal history or other disqualifying factors. If no red flags are found, the next step is usually contacting past employers and references to verify dates of employment and contact information. Finally, any other relevant information (such as education or credit history) is collected and reviewed.