What does a background check show?
Are you about to have a background check?
We get you—
It can be stressful to have someone look into your past, especially if you’re unsure what they’ll find.
What a background check reveals depends on a few factors.
Each check is different and tailored to specific needs, so there’s no one-size-fits-all process.
However, there are ways to get a better idea of what to expect—that’s what we’ll cover in this article.
Read on to learn more about different background checks.
Don’t have time to read? Here’s a quick answer:
Different types of background checks
There’s no such thing as a “standard background check.”
There are pre-employment checks, credit checks, tenant checks, and more.
What each check covers depends on who’s doing it and why. For example, a check for an executive will differ from one for an office clerk, even at the same company.
The state you live in can also impact the check, as some states clear criminal records after a certain time, while others don’t.
With all these factors, it’s hard to predict exactly what a background check will show.
However, there are some industry standards—and that’s what we’re going to cover.
Let’s explore what different checks typically reveal.
Criminal background checks
Criminal background checks (also called criminal history checks) dig into your criminal records to see if there are any legal issues, like convictions or pending charges.
They are usually a part of wider screenings, like for employment, renting an apartment, or enrolling for a new school.
Have at the table to learn more:
Employment background check
Employment background checks give employers a snapshot of your professional life.
They typically include your work, education, and criminal history.
Some employers also check your credit report, especially for roles involving money management.
Reference checks are common too, where employers contact your previous bosses or colleagues to learn more about your work ethic and skills.
Tenant background checks
Tenant background checks look at your rental history to try to assess what sort of a tenant you are.
It’s common to check your credit history, criminal records, and verify your income.
Student background checks
Student background checks mostly focus on your academic and personal history.
They often include your academic records to verify your grades and any degrees or certifications, and they might look at any disciplinary actions you’ve faced.
Sometimes, they also check for any criminal history.
Want to see other types of background checks?
What public records do background checks show
Every type of background check will have a look into your records.
There’re quite a few types of records someone can look into, like your criminal or driving history.
We consider them “building blocks,” because background checks typically consist of these records—just in different configurations.
Your records are available at police stations, court houses, DMV offices, and so on. Luckily for you, they’re not available for just anyone to review—for most, your written consent is necessary.
Here’s a quick overview of what the most commonly accessed records consist of.
Note: This list is not exhaustive and it may vary from state to state.
Want to see other records?
But records are not the only data someone can look at
The records we listed above are usually the main part of a background check, but they’re not the only part.
Some information is not necessarily stored at governmental facilities—like your employment history, references, or social media presence.
The truth is that whoever runs the background check can focus on just about anything—from how often you change apartments to drug use.
So, apart from official records—of which there’s a finite number—there’s a potentially unlimited number of other elements a background check could look into.
The good news is that most background checks follow a similar pattern to the one we’re about to show you in the next section.
Unofficial background checks: a way for anyone to see your records
All the background checks we covered above are regulated by federal and state laws.
Specifically, by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which regulates how your records can be used to run a background check on you.
Any company that wants to be officially licensed for background checks needs to meet standards set by this law.
If it fails to meet these standards, it can’t be used by employers, landlords, or insurance companies. In other words—it can’t be used for any official reasons.
However—
There are ways to run an unofficial background check.
Ways not regulated by state laws. Such checks include official records—like your criminal record—but they go way beyond that information.
People search sites (that’s what such platforms are generally called) publish:
- Your personal and contact information
- Current and past addresses
- Details of your family, friends, and work partners
- Even your sexual orientation and the value of your house.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The worst part?
Just about anyone can run a thorough background check on you and your family with these sites.
But there’s a way to stop this.
Sign up to Incogni and have your and your family’s data removed from these sites.
Incogni is an automated data removal service that reaches out on your behalf to over a hundred data brokers—companies that trade and publish your data—and requests its removal.
What’s more, Incogni does this on a regular basis to keep you protected, making sure your information never circles back onto those sites.
It takes only a few clicks to protect yourself and your loved ones with Incogni.
FAQ
What is revealed in a background check?
A background check can reveal information about your criminal history, employment history, education, credit report, and more. Employers and organizations use this information to verify your identity and ensure you meet their requirements.
What can a background check consist of?
A background check usually starts with official records, such as criminal, credit, and driving records. On top of that, there’s employment and education verification. This may also involve checking references and sometimes drug testing, depending on the position or purpose.
What background check do most employers use?
Most employers use a combination of criminal background checks, employment verification, and education verification. Some may also include credit checks and drug testing, especially for jobs that involve financial responsibilities or safety concerns.
Social media profiles don’t automatically show up on background checks, but employers might look at them separately. They often search for public information to get a sense of your online presence and character.
How far do most companies go on background checks?
Most companies check records going back seven to ten years, but this can vary based on the job and industry. Positions in finance or security might require more extensive checks to ensure trustworthiness and compliance.
Can employers see your Instagram if it’s private?
No, employers can’t see your private Instagram posts unless you give them access. They can only view what you have made public, so it’s important to manage your privacy settings carefully.
Can employers see TikTok comments?
Employers can see your TikTok comments if your account is public, as they can access any content you share openly. If your account is private, they won’t have access to your comments or other content.
Can employers see deleted accounts?
No, employers can’t see deleted accounts. Once an account is deleted, its content is no longer accessible, so employers won’t be able to view any past activity from that account.
