Work

How Long Does an Employment Background Check Take? (10 FAQ Included)

Published

3 years ago

05/10/2020

Jason Zhang

Employment Background Check is one of the business industry’s best practices. A background check will run when a company is interested in hiring you for a position.

Table of Contents

Wondering What a Background Check Is?

If you have recently been into an interview with a company and feel it in your bones that they are considering hiring you, get ready for the background screening! They will thoroughly scann all your details, degrees, and records to ensure the firm is hiring the right person.

Employment background checks usually take place in the later stages of the interview. You can generally feel stuck in the moment, and this waiting period can get nerve-racking at times.

Feeling stranded in the same situation? Seeking answers to identity verification queries? Then, look no further because this article covers all the aspects of how long it might take for a background investigation.

How Long Do Pre Employment Background Checks Take?

A background check for employment purposes is essential for business. A pre-employment screening can take anywhere between 2-5 business days on average. Sometimes it might take a week or two, so you need to keep calm.

A criminal record check will take a week or two, and for a government job, it can take 3-5 business days.

Applying for the FBI means they will be carrying out a thorough and extensive checkup. Don’t expect a call back before 25-30 days for an FBI pre-employment screening as these are higher-level government jobs.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” — Steve Jobs

What Are They Looking for in a Background Check

While you wait for a call back, you might be curious about what shows up on a background check? Here are some things they will be checking:

Criminal Records: This is the most crucial part of hiring because the employees want to make sure they are hiring the best. A clear criminal record is vital before the company can make an offer. If you have any criminal records, the chances of you getting hired might be low.

Education: Many companies will verify your updated academic records that you have listed on your resume. So they can make sure all the degree are authentic and accurate. In case your degrees are not trustworthy or verified, you might not hear back from the company, and it might also land you into trouble.

Your Employment history: Many companies look for your experience in the field you expertise or the job type they are offering. Majority of the candidates mention their past employment histories; thus the hirers need to make sure that all the work records are accurate and that you have really worked with the company you have mentioned.

They make cross-checks with the companies you have worked before which can take time to reach.

Why Is Your Background Check Taking So Long? Common Reasons for Delay

Has it been longer than two weeks? Such ong time is an indication that there might be some issues in your background screening. Here are some common reasons for the delay:

The company you applied in is having difficulties in getting in touch with your former employers. The company might not be able to contact your academic institutions from where you got your degrees. Hence they are taking time for the degree verification process.
If you are not a resident or an overseas employee, authorities may take time to respond. This might be because the verification request is taking longer to process. Gathering any pre-employment information from outside the USA can take more time than expected.

Companies need to look through large databases to get your legal records. There are name variations, institutes, and employment records of thousands of people with a similar name to yours. Agencies need to double-check and cross-check that they are dealing with the right person and eliminate any confusion due to wrong information.

How to Speed Up Checks?

These ways will functionally work well:

Make sure all the information you provide is complete and authentic from your end. All your verified degree documents, letters of resignations and legal documents must be at your avail. This will save your time and the agencies as well.
An employer can speed up the process by giving the task of screening to agencies which work online as they are quicker in making and sending over the background check reports.
Provide the company you are seeking a position in, with attested academic documents like your transcripts. You need to submit all the required documents for a hassle-free pre-employment screening.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I Worry about a Background Check?

Background investigations hold a paramount of importance when you want to get hired. An applicant was restrained from being employed in Texas due to a minor offense that came up in his screening. While there is nothing you can do about it if you have any criminal records or you have added wrong information in your CV, in the future, you must stay out of such illegal acts.

2. How Can I Pass a Background Check?

Prepare yourself beforehand; make your own background check first. You must check on yourself first so that it does not take you by surprise. Check the following;

Credit record
Court and criminal records
Driving records

Academics and degrees
Be honest because the background investigation will uncover all the details about you anyway. Lying can cost you the job you are applying to.

3. How Do I Know If I Passed My Background Check?

If you have passed, you might be notified through an email or a call. This will inform you that you have cleared the pre-employment screening and can join the job. Sometimes, a notification is sent verifying that you have passed the screening. A job offer often follows this.

4. Does A Background Check Mean I Have The Job?

A background check is undoubtedly an indication that a company is interested in hiring you, which is why they are running a pre-employment screening. However, it cannot be guaranteed until they officially send you a letter with a job offering or a job confirmation.

5. What Will Make You Fail A Background Check?

Several factors contribute to a failed background check, including:

A bad credit history.
You have a criminal record, and you are applying to a government job.
The information you gave does not match your screening records.
You were convicted of a crime at your previous workplace.
Your academic information was incorrect.

6. Why Is My Background Check Still Pending for Job?

This may be because the checker is waiting for you to send some required documents to complete your report. You need to keep checking your mails. In some states, they still use paperwork for maintaining records; this is why it might take longer to make and send reports.

A Court backlog is another reason which occurs due to staff shortage and the increased demand for records asked. That is why your identity verification is being delayed and still pending for a job. Sometimes they are only reviewing your background check causing the delay.

7. What Happens If You Fail a Background Check?

Failing a background check usually means you will not get the job you have applied for. It is in your employer’s hands if they still want to hire you even if you have a criminal record. If you are lucky enough, the hirer might be willing to give you a chance to work despite the offense you have made.

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. ”
—Milton Berle

8. What If My Background Check Is Wrong?

If you have discovered that your background check is wrong, you have the right to file a dispute. Prepare your authentic documents to support your claim. Be honest and confident about what you think is wrong in your identity verification. The identity verification needs to be accurate as these really matter for hiring in reputable places.

9. What Does Level 1 Mean on a Background Check?

Level 1 is the basic background check every employer makes to ensure the correct personal details of the employee they are hiring. A level 1 background check means the hirer will check your date of birth, name, security number, and other basic details provided on the CV.

10. Will My Employer Disclose Why The Background Check Failed?

Yes, the employers always need to notify the employees about the failed background check. Employers take he adverse employment action on the basis of doubtful information uncovered from your screening.

Make sure you receive a copy from the employer of the background report so that you know the reason why you were not hired.

Final Thoughts

Background screening is an imperative part of the business sector. It helps employers pick out the best man for the job position and ensures that the person they are hiring is reliable. Pre-employment screening can take several days before the results come out due to multiple cross-checking processes.

For your processes to be quicker, make sure you never manipulate any information on your resume or application. Always speak the truth to avoid any confusion and keep your authentic documents handy in case of wrong background investigations.

Work

Five Things Employees Look for in a Job Role

Published

2 weeks ago

05/18/2023

Jason Zhang

five-things-employees-look-for-in-a-job-role

The world of work has been changing lately. While technological developments and paradigm shifts in business models have changed the landscape of work globally, workers both globally and nationally have found their worth and their voice. Despite the rise of AI and automation, the worker is worth more than ever, and some businesses are struggling as a result. What is it that employees look for in a role today, and how might a business adopt them to improve their own employee turnover?

Flexibility

One of the most important factors to workers today is flexibility. This has been borne out by the runaway popularity of remote and hybrid working schemes, which were introduced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. With businesses demonstrating that remote work is possible without impacting productivity, more workers today expect accommodations for remote work as a standard part of their contract.

Stability

Stability is another major factor that employees bear in mind when considering a role. It can appear in two distinct ways: a comfortable wage, and guaranteed job security. Offering a competitive wage means employees can worry less about their living standards or future, allowing them to settle into their role. A robust development pipeline and internal career trajectory can also show employees that staying would be to their benefit.

Benefits

Salary alone is not enough to entice applicants to a job today, though. It is also necessary for a role to offer a number of competitive perks and benefits in order to sweeten the deal. These can range from small perks to major additions. On the smaller side, healthcare workers might get a Nandos NHS discount as a small token; on the more essential side, workers might get offered private healthcare coverage for themselves and their family.

Trust

Trust as a factor touches on the company culture within and office or department, and the management style of both middle and executive managers. If an employee feels micromanaged by their line manager or any superior, they are less likely to feel trusted in their role, and more likely to look for somewhere that is a better fit. A conversational management style and a transparent structure for departments can go a long way to demonstrating trust.

Shared Values

This last factor is one that has gained prescience in recent years, as employees seek to match their personal values with their career trajectory. Social justice and good causes can form interstitial parts of an employee’s identity, and in an age where information is more readily available than ever, workers are able to see the impacts a business has outside of its secondary role as ‘job-giver’.

With a principled workforce unwilling to tacitly lend credence to damaging acts or activities – key focuses at present being the climate crisis and rising racial tensions -, individual job-seekers are seeking roles where their values are shared by their prospective employer. This is both to pressure organisations into adopting those values, and to ensure that their own are not being compromised in their professional lives.

Work

Tow Truck Training: 5 Tips to Select the Right Course and What Can You Expect

Published

2 months ago

03/22/2023

Jason Zhang

tow-truck-training-tips-to-select-the-right-course

If you are looking for a career in the tow truck industry, selecting the right training course is crucial. Many different schools and programs are available, so it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you.

This blog post will get five tips for selecting the right tow truck training course. Read ahead to know what you can expect from these courses and how they can help you start your career in this field.

What Does It Entail?

If you’re interested in becoming a tow truck driver, you’ll need to complete a training program. The programs are typically offered at community colleges or technical schools. During the training, you’ll learn how to operate a tow truck safely and secure and transport vehicles properly.

You’ll learn about State and Federal Regulations governing the industry. Upon completing the training program, you’ll be prepared to take the state-licensed exam and begin your career immediately.

Types of Training Programs Available

There are many different types of tow trucking training programs available. Some are designed for those who already have experience in the industry, while others are meant for those new to the field.

The programs may cater to specific vehicles, such as those used in heavy-duty construction or logging. No matter your experience level or desired type of truck, there is a course that helps you get the skills you need to succeed.

Similarly, some programs may last only a few days, while others may span several weeks or months. The length of the program will often depend on the type of truck you wish to operate and the level of experience you already have. Many programs will include classroom and hands-on instruction to give you the complete education possible.

Benefits of Joining Training Programs

Tow trucking training programs offer many benefits for those seeking a career in the industry. Perhaps the most apparent benefit is learning from experienced drivers.

These programs provide an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the job, from the proper way to hook up a vehicle to the safest way to transport it. In addition, the programs often offer their students access to a fleet of trucks to get real-world experience before they even start looking for a job.

And finally, they can help students network with other people in the industry, leading to better job opportunities.

Selecting the Right Training Program

With so many different tow truck training programs available, it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. Here are a few tips to help you select the right program:

Accredited by a Reputable Organization: Make sure the program you select is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA).

Offers Classroom and Hands-On Instruction: Look for a program that offers classroom and hands-on instruction. It will ensure that you get a complete education.

Fits Your Schedule: Choose a program that fits your schedule. If you’re working full-time, you’ll need to find a program that offers evening or weekend classes.

Affordable: Make sure the program you select is affordable. There are many programs available, so be sure to shop around for the best price.

Length of the Program: Consider the length of the program. Some programs may last only a few days, while others may span several weeks or months. Choose a program that fits your needs and schedule.

What to Expect from Training Programs?

Tow truck training programs are designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the tow truck industry. During the program, you’ll learn about truck safety, vehicle loading and unloading, proper use of towing equipment like winches and straps, and defensive driving techniques.

Work

How to Find Online Job: Options that Require Little or No Work Experience (that are truly fun!)

Published

3 months ago

02/27/2023

Jason Zhang

how-to-find-online-job-without-work-experience

In today’s world, earning money online has become increasingly popular. For many years, commuting to the office and going out to work was the only way to make a living. However, things changed with the evolution of technology, as this resulted in tehnological advancements that were embraced by many industries.

Working from home now has become extremely popular. Many companies have implemented hybrid and remote models so that employees can enjoy the flexibility to work from anywhere.

Here, we will discuss online jobs that require little to no experience to get started – and they can be fun as well!

These are jobs for absolute beginners as well, so if you have the right skill set but no prior work experience, we’ve got your back! So, let’s see the different online jobs you can consider, and hopefully, we’ll help you narrow down your choices when making applications.

OnlyFans

You don’t need any special expertise or work experience to be part of the OnlyFans community. You just need to sign up on the platform, create the content and start connecting with your fans.

Even as an absolute beginner, you can earn pretty well. The living proof is the fact that even OnlyFans amateurs earn a lot on this platform by creating content and interacting with their fans.

So, don’t worry if you lack social media experience or have very limited knowledge regarding the platform or the type of content you should post. All it takes is thorough research, a willingness to keep up with the latest social media trends, and a compelling niche to keep your fans interested and entertained.

Web Design

Working in the web design industry comes with some challenges. Having said that, even though you need a certain set of skills to start working as a web designer or web developer, you can land a job even without prior working experience.

If you’ve just finished college or a web development academy, but you have no work experience on your resume, start applying for small web design jobs online. You can then build a portfolio, and once you’ve created a portfolio, you can start applying for bigger projects.

The first step toward becoming a web developer is using coding boot camps to fast-track the learning process. The practical advantages of such boot camps are numerous, as you can:

Network with like-minded individuals

Expand your horizons
Work on your problem-solving skills
Improve your communication skills

As you continue diving deeper into the web development industry, you will need to choose a development specialization. The web development industry is categorized into:

Front-end development – pertaining to the “client-side” of the process, such as the design, layout, and functionality of the site
Back-end development – focuses on the “server-side” of the process, such as servers, hosting, networks, databases, and more
Full stack development – needs to have knowledge in both areas

But don’t worry; you can choose a specialization and focus on one of these categories once you’ve started working in web development.

Content Writing

Content writing is another popular yet fun option where you can earn money online with little to no prior work experience. Let’s get it clear from the beginning – you do need certain skills to be successful as a content writer, even if you don’t have work experience.

Thus, if you’re a self-motivated individual with a passion for creating content for the web, blogs, technical documents, reviews, advertisements, or scripts, this is the job for you.

Blogging

You don’t need any particular experience to kick off your career as a blogger. If you have a topic area or a subject you’re passionate about and would like to share it with others, you can start your own blog.

The most profitable blogs are those that provide value to the readers, so make sure you choose a relevant topic and create high-quality content. After you’ve created your blog, you can place ads on specialized blogs, promote the blog on various social media platforms, or even incorporate pay-per-click advertising.

According to Good Financial Cents, the best blogging niches are:

Investments

Cars and car repair services
Credit cars
Travel
Fashion
Real estate

Entertainment

As we mentioned earlier, make sure you choose a relevant topic that you are passionate about. This way, you can engage people and attract a larger number of visitors to your blog, which will turn your blog into a profit-generating one.

Advice to Get Started

All of these job opportunities require little to no prior experience to get started. Here are a couple of tips before you start applying for certain jobs:

Be persistent – do not even think of giving up
Make it happen – don’t let all of that hard work you put into learning new skills go to waste
Keep hustling

This is your chance to generate a good income, so start applying!