A background check is a process of looking up and compiling criminal and other records on an individual. They are often used by individuals who want to hire someone or rent an apartment to someone. The purpose of the background check is to compile as much information as possible about the person in order to make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the transaction.
When applying for a new job, you can expect your potential employer to run a background check. However, how far back do these checks go? Keep reading to find out.
Entities Conducting Background Checks
There are many different entities that conduct background checks in the United States. The most common type of check is a criminal background check. This type of check can be conducted by a variety of organizations, including state and local governments, private companies, and non-profit organizations. Most employers in the United States require some type of criminal background check for potential employees.
The purpose of these entities conducting a criminal background check is to determine if an individual has been convicted of a crime. A conviction may not always disqualify an individual from employment, but it will certainly affect his or her ability to obtain certain jobs or licenses. Criminal background checks also include information on outstanding warrants and arrests.
Some employers also conduct credit checks as part of the screening process. A credit check can reveal whether an individual has a history of financial instability or has defaulted on previous loans or payments. Credit checks are often used by employers who are hiring for positions that involve handling money or other sensitive information.
Exceptions to the Background Check Process
There are a few exceptions to the standard background check process. First, if the person has been convicted of a felony within the past seven years, the background check will include that information. Second, if the person is running for public office, the background check will include any criminal convictions even if they are older than seven years. Finally, people who have applied for or received government security clearances will also have their backgrounds checked even if the convictions are older than seven years.
How Far Back Background Checks Go
When it comes to criminal background checks, most employers want to know as much as possible about the person they are considering for hire. This means that many companies will ask potential employees how far back their criminal history goes. The answer to this question depends on the type of background check being conducted.
Generally speaking, most national criminal databases only go back seven years. However, some states have more comprehensive databases that go back further. Additionally, some employers may request a state or county-level background check, which can provide information going back several decades. It is important to note that even if a criminal record is not found in a national database, it doesn’t mean that the individual has never been arrested or convicted of a crime. Still, background checks are highly accurate.
Why Background Checks Matter
Background checks or social media personal assessment are an important part of keeping our communities safe. By performing a background check on someone before hiring them, we can ensure that they do not have a criminal history that would make them a danger to others. Background checks are also important for personal safety. By knowing who you are hiring, or letting into your home, you can reduce your chances of being a victim of crime.
Background checks are required for many reasons. They can help employers determine a potential employee’s qualifications, as well as whether the person has a criminal history. They can also help landlords determine whether a potential tenant has a history of criminal behavior. In addition, background checks are often required for those who want to work with vulnerable populations, such as children or the elderly.
