Do you get notified if you pass a background check?

Asked by: Prof. Marc Williamson  |  Last update: September 7, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (23 votes)

You may not even receive a notification that you passed the background check – you may simply receive a job offer. The background check tends to be the last thing that employers do before making their final hiring decision.

Will I be notified if I fail a background check?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provides you with the following rights: Potential employers must notify you if a background check is the reason you didn't receive a job offer. You must receive a copy of your background check if you request one. You have the right to dispute any errors in your background check.

Do employers tell you if you passed a background check?

How do you know if you passed your background check? After the employer receives a background check report, the hiring manager might take a few days to review the report. If you pass it, the hiring manager will likely send an email to you with your job offer or contact you by phone.

How do I know if my background check went through?

Reach out to the background check company

They'll let you know if you passed or failed the background check. Likely, they'll be able to give you a report, highlighting any red flags or issues that may have caused you to fail the employment background check.

What happens after a background check is completed?

What happens after a background check for a job? After a background check is complete, employers use the information they find through the process to make informed decisions about whether they would like to invite you to be a part of their organization.

What Does an Employment Background Check Include?

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How long does it take to hear back after background check?

A state background check usually takes one to two days.

Reports that don't return any records may come back quickly, while any case that requires additional searching or manual review may take several business days or longer. Each state has its system for handling criminal record checks.

How do I know if I passed my background check first advantage?

You can login to your Profile Advantage account at any time after you have submitted the background check to see your profile. Dependent upon regional or employer requirements, you may be able view the progress of your report. Status reports will be displayed in the “Dashboard” section of Profile Advantage.

Does HR contact you after a background check?

Do employers reach out immediately after background checks? Employers don't always contact you immediately after receiving the results of a background check. They may do so if they've already extended a job offer, and there was nothing of concern noted during the background check.

What does pass mean on a background check?

Passing a background check simply means the hiring manager was satisfied with its results. Employers who use these checks consider various factors before making any hiring decision based on your background check data.

What is a red flag on a background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.

What comes first, a job offer or a background check?

This is straightforward: most employers will check your criminal record before making an offer.

How does someone fail a background check?

There are many reasons why a candidate may “fail” a background check, from criminal history to discrepancies in employment or education history, or an unsafe driving record or failed drug test.

Can you ask someone if they can pass a background check?

Meaning, under California law, it is against the law to ask an applicant any questions regarding an applicant's criminal history during interviews or on the job application itself. Employers should update their hiring procedures to ensure compliance with California hiring laws.

How do I know if I passed my background check accurately?

There are only two sure-fire ways to know you passed the check: for the potential employer or hiring manager to confirm that you passed and/or for them to extend a job offer (that is not contingent on finalizing the background screening).

What makes someone not pass a background check?

Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...

How to tell someone they didn't pass the background check?

Notify Your Job Candidate
  1. A summary of the candidate's background check results.
  2. A copy of the background check report.
  3. Contact information for the background screening company that provided the results.
  4. A copy of the candidate's rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

How do I know if I will pass a background check?

Here are the top seven things you can do to ensure you're prepared for and pass employment background checks.
  • Make sure you're well-prepared for these checks. ...
  • Check your credit. ...
  • Review your driving record. ...
  • Be informed about banned substances. ...
  • Contact former employers and ask for copies of your employment records.

What happens after a background check is complete?

If they had problems with things like employment history they will reach out to them to confirm your info. I'm pretty sure that when they are done with checking everything they begin the process of onboarding which can take a while to start so that they can send you all the information.

How do I know if I passed my sterling background check?

Check your screening status

Enter your email address and the last four digits of your Social Security Number that you provided as part of your screening. If Sterling is able to locate a screening that was performed within the last 30 days, you will receive an email notification informing you of the screening status.

Do background checks notify the person?

Do note, though, that if you're background checking a person for a more formal purpose – such as for a job – you are legally required to disclose the background check to them and get their consent to proceed. You cannot do formal checks anonymously.

What does successful completion of a background check mean?

Remember that “passing” a background check isn't just about criminal history. Many employment background checks include verifications of education, work history, and professional licenses. While resume lies are common, they are also easy for employers to find.

How long does it take HR to review background check?

How long does a background check take in California? The industry average turnaround time for most background checks is three to five business days. Depending on the scope of the screening, some can be completed in a few minutes, while others take several days.

How do you know if a background check has been run on you?

The easiest way to know whether someone has run a background check on you is to hear directly from them. Background checks are most common in the hiring process. Employers want to understand more about those they choose to hire. Pre-employment background checks help provide such peace of mind.

What does fail mean on a background check?

A “failed” background check means the results of the background screening report returned alerts on a job candidate, such as a criminal conviction, a suspended driver's license, or a positive drug test.

What is the most common background check for employment?

Criminal record searches are the most common type of background check, but there are many to choose from. Failing to conduct background checks could result in damage to your company brand. The easiest way to conduct background checks is by Using a third-party service or background screening software.