How do you know when you passed a background check?

Asked by: Tyson Hayes  |  Last update: January 10, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (52 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 long do companies tell you if you passed a background check?

If a candidate's criminal history is limited to one state, or one home country, then the check can take one to two business days. However, verifying international records takes much longer. If the candidate has emigrated or worked in different countries, this process can stretch up to, or past, 20 days.

When to hear back after a background check?

How long does a background check take? It's impossible to give an exact time frame, as every employer differs – but you should hear something within a week or two following a background check. It can take anywhere from two to five days to conduct an employment background check.

How do I know my background is clear?

How to run your own background check
  1. Verify your Social Security information. ...
  2. Obtain a credit report. ...
  3. Check your criminal record. ...
  4. Get your driving record. ...
  5. Review your education and employment history. ...
  6. Review your address history. ...
  7. Review your social media presence. ...
  8. Use a screening company.

What does a failed background check look like?

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 Does an Employment Background Check Include?

15 related questions found

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

You can determine whether you failed an employee background check if you have any of the following seven disqualifying factors:
  1. Inconsistent employment history. ...
  2. Inaccurate resume information. ...
  3. A criminal history. ...
  4. Negative reviews from employers. ...
  5. Poor driving record. ...
  6. A failed drug or alcohol test. ...
  7. Poor credit history.

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 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 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.

How do I make sure I pass a background check?

Best Practices for Passing a Background Check
  1. 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. ...
  2. Get your story straight. ...
  3. Run a background check on yourself. ...
  4. Consider expungement.

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.

Will a company call you after a background check?

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 is the longest wait for a background check?

A general rule to go by is that local and state searches might be completed within a day, while federal searches can take longer, often up to a week or more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is it a red flag if you're hired on the spot?

They offer you the position too quickly.

Hiring an employee in the US is expensive, so most ethical companies want to take time and be careful about who they hire. If you only have one interview, the interviewer doesn't ask you many questions, and they offer you the job on the spot; this is a red flag.

What does green flag mean on a background check?

In general, "green flags" on a background check refer to positive indicators or aspects of a candidate's background that align with the employer's criteria or expectations.

How do I know if I'll pass a background check?

7 Tips for Ensuring You 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. ...
  • Research local employment laws. ...
  • Beat employers to it.

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.

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 are the disqualifying offenses for background checks?

INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES

Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.

What happens after accepting a job offer?

After accepting a job offer, you'll want to ask the hiring manager for next steps. These next steps can include paperwork, onboarding processes, or anything else required before your start date.

What would pop up on a background check?

A background check can yield basic information about a person (such as their full name, aliases and age), but can also show an individual's education history, past employment, criminal history and credit reports.