How do you know if you passed a background check?
Asked by: Rachael Ritchie | Last update: January 23, 2026Score: 5/5 (39 votes)
There's a simple answer to this one! Once the background check duration period has ended and the results are in, the employer will either call or email you to let you know that the background has cleared. You may not even receive a notification that you passed the background check – you may simply receive a job offer.
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).
How do I know if I failed my background check?
If you want to know whether you passed your check, you can either reach out to the employer who requested it or reach out to the background check company itself. Ultimately, you can fight for yourself, especially if you fail your background record check.
How do I know if I'll pass a background check?
- Inconsistent employment history. ...
- Inaccurate resume information. ...
- A criminal history. ...
- Negative reviews from employers. ...
- Poor driving record. ...
- A failed drug or alcohol test. ...
- Poor credit history.
Will a job tell you if you passed a background check?
If you pass it, the hiring manager will likely send an email to you with your job offer or contact you by phone. If the employer decides against hiring you based on information contained in your background check, the FCRA requires them to complete the adverse action process.
How do I know if I passed my background check?
Do you get notified if you pass a background check?
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.
Who makes the final decision after a background check?
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.
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.
How do I make sure I pass a background check?
- Don't lie about your name. Many background checks are name-based—though some employers use fingerprint or Social Security Number checks for more precise results. ...
- Get your story straight. ...
- Run a background check on yourself. ...
- Consider expungement.
How do you tell a candidate they failed the background check?
Notify Your Job Candidate
In addition to informing the candidate that you're considering adverse action due to their background check results, you must provide a few extra documents, including: A summary of the candidate's background check results. A copy of the background check report.
What looks bad on 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 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.
What happens when you don't pass a background check?
What happens if you “fail” a background check? A “failed” background check doesn't mean that you are automatically disqualified from the role. Some consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) offer features that enable candidates to provide additional context about their past for more informed decisions.
Can I check my background check online?
Checkr offers personal background checks which can be easily requested and viewed online. This background check on yourself includes an SSN trace, national criminal search, global watchlist search, and sex offender registry search.
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.
Is it okay to ask the status of a background check?
Is It OK to Ask About the Status of a Background Check? Yes, an applicant can ask to see their background check results from the agency that conducted it at any time during the process and up to one year after employment begins.
What qualifies as passing a background check?
If you were found not guilty, no-billed, or had the case dismissed, you'll still pass the background check. Also, depending on the requirements, the type of offense and time since conviction would be a factor.
What background check do most employers use?
The most common types of employment background screening include: Address History, Civil Records, SSN Verification, Criminal Records, Resume Verification, Medical Registration and Sanctions, and Drug and Alcohol Testing.
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.
What happens after a background check is completed?
A brief period in between a background check and a job offer is common because the results of a background check can result in an employer choosing to hire a different applicant. However, they may also choose to begin the background check after they extend an offer.
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.
Can people see if you ran a background check on them?
If someone ran a background check for reasons other than employment, you should receive a notice that provides the name and contact information of the background check company.
Who has the final say in the hiring process?
The hiring manager makes the final decision on who gets hired, while the recruiter manages the process, laying the foundation for hiring the right people. Both roles are crucial, and their collaboration ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of the hiring process.
What is the difference between eligible and pass on background check?
I believe eligible means the returned report for those jobs met the employers criteria for hiring, and pass means there are no risks associated with hiring the candidate based on the returned report for that job.
What does a yellow flag mean on a background check?
Yellow— A mentor's application, interview or other interaction gives screening pause and the situation is of moderate concern. A yellow flag may require follow up but does not necessarily mean the applicant will be rejected. Rule of thumb: should there be any doubt with an applicant, always flag.