How do you tell someone they did not pass a background check?
Asked by: Dominic Farrell | Last update: April 6, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (9 votes)
The first step of how to inform a job candidate of a failed background check is to notify them of your decision and provide all the information they would need regarding their background check results. This is known as a pre-adverse action notice, which means it must take place before your final hiring decision.
How do you tell someone they failed a background check?
If you're considering not hiring an applicant based on the results of a background screening, you must inform the candidate with a pre-adverse action notice. They must also be provided with a copy of their background check as well as a copy of a “A Summary of Your Rights Under Federal Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)”.
How to tell a candidate they didn't pass the background check?
Send Pre-Adverse Action Notice
The Fair Credit Reporting Act, or FCRA, requires employers to send the candidate in question a pre-adverse action notice. This notice must include an explanation of the information you found, along with a copy of the background check.
How to respond to a negative background check?
- Consult your company's written background check policy. A written background check policy should guide your hiring decisions. ...
- Send a pre-adverse action notice. ...
- Allow the candidate time to respond. ...
- Make a hiring decision. ...
- Send final adverse action notice.
How do you explain a bad background check?
Sincerely speak to the feelings you have regarding your behavior – show remorse. In a positive way, state the price you have paid and what you have learned from this experience. Thoughtfully discuss your goals and steps you are taking to achieve them. Discuss what skills you have that meet the needs of the employer.
How do I know if I passed my background check?
Why would you not pass a background check?
Inconsistencies may include gaps in your employment history, inaccurate descriptions of duties and responsibilities, inaccurate employment lengths or false employer information. These items may disqualify you from passing an employee background check because of concerns about your work ethic and integrity.
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 to tell someone you can't hire them due to a 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.
How do you respond to a negative report?
- Start with a Greeting. ...
- Thank the Reviewer for Their Feedback. ...
- Apologize for Any Negative Experience. ...
- Rephrase the Positive Before Addressing the Negative. ...
- Sign with Your Name. ...
- Offer Face-to-Face or Offline Mediation. ...
- Ask for a Second Chance. ...
- Responding in a Timely Manner.
How to clear a bad background check?
- Step 1: Research Your Eligibility. ...
- Step 2: Consult with an Attorney. ...
- Step 3: Petition for Expungement or Sealing. ...
- Step 4: Apply for a Pardon. ...
- Step 5: Update Private Databases.
How do you reject a candidate after background check?
When you are denying a candidate employment, the FCRA requires that you first inform the candidate of your intent and the items of concern. The candidate is given 7 days to dispute the results of the report. During this time, you are unable to completely disqualify this candidate or hire an alternative in their place.
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 to professionally tell a candidate they were not selected?
- Thank them. Whether you're sending an email or making a phone call, thank the candidate for applying for the position. ...
- Explain that you're pursuing other applicants. ...
- Mention the strengths of the other candidate. ...
- Let them know that many qualified applicants applied. ...
- Encourage strong candidates to apply again.
How to tell someone they didn't get the job because of a background check?
- Written notification that you are taking adverse action based on the results of the background check.
- The background screening company's contact information.
- Written notification that the decision was made by the employer and no one else.
Can a job offer be withdrawn after a background check?
There are many reasons why someone might not get a job or why a job offer could be rescinded after a background check. A failed criminal check could be one. Poor references are another. Yet, few probably realize that companies can and do rescind offers after performing credit checks on would-be employees.
Does an employer have to tell you why you failed a background check?
The employer must legally provide written notification, usually in the form of a letter outlining the specific reasons for the decision. The letter will also include information about the candidate's rights to obtain a copy of the background check report and dispute any inaccuracies.
What are some examples of negative comments?
- 1) “Your response times are frequently slow.”
- 6) “Your tone in written communication can be too formal.”
- 7) “You often put customers on hold for too long.”
- 8) “You often fail to follow up with customers as promised.”
How to respond professionally to a negative performance review?
- Acknowledge the feedback. Upon receiving a negative performance review, it is crucial to acknowledge the feedback without defensiveness. ...
- Seek clarification. ...
- Constructive response. ...
- Follow-up and action plan.
What if I was denied a job because of my background?
That could be employment discrimination. If that happens to you, contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Find more information on arrest and conviction records in employment decisions at the EEOC website.
Is it illegal to not hire someone because of how they look?
In general, employers are not prohibited from making employment decisions based on the physical appearance of a candidate. However, they can't base their hiring decisions on an applicant's protected status that involves their appearance such as race, sex, or color.
How do you professionally not hire someone?
How Do You Politely Not Hire Someone? If you decide not to hire someone, it's important to remain professional and respectful. Politely thank the candidate for their time, explain that you've chosen someone else, and wish them luck in their future endeavors.
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.
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.
Why would someone not show up on a background check?
If a record is expunged, sealed, or in a pre-file status, it will not show up on a background check report. That's intentional, not an error. A jurisdiction that has expunged or sealed a record has deliberately done so because they believe it shouldn't be used in scenarios like employment screening.