How will I know if I fail a background check?
Asked by: Sterling Walsh | Last update: September 10, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (10 votes)
If the potential employer decides not to hire you based on the results from the background check, they must provide you with a notice of "adverse action" and a copy of the background report, along with a summary of your rights under the FCRA.
How do you know if you would pass a background check?
- 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.
Do companies let you know if you passed a background check?
If you did not pass the background check, then the employer is bound by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to notify you. Per the FCRA, there are multiple steps that employers must follow to remain compliant after running a background check on job candidates.
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.
Can a job offer be withdrawn after a background check?
There are many reasons why someone might not get a job or why a job offer could be rescinded after a background check.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.
What Does an Employment Background Check Include?
Will a job tell you if you failed 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.
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 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 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 ...
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.
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 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.
How long does it take 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.
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.
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 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.
How do you know if you didn't pass a background check?
If the potential employer decides not to hire you based on the results from the background check, they must provide you with a notice of "adverse action" and a copy of the background report, along with a summary of your rights under the 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 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 I know if my background check is successful?
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.
What looks bad on a background check?
You may be disqualified from a high security clearance job if your record contains any of the following: a single serious crime, a series of lesser offenses, embezzlement, income tax evasion (or other financial crimes), sexual offenses, crimes related to excessive alcohol or drug consumption, a history of personality ...
What does grade hit mean on a background check?
A “hit” means that the person in question doesn't have a 100% clean record.
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.
Can HR look through your phone?
If you have a company-provided cell phone, your employer probably has the right to view your text messages, as well as other phone content and activities, such as your contacts and even what you do on social media.
Does a background check call past employers?
The background check company will likely contact your previous employers to confirm your reported work history. They might verify: Your dates of employment. Job title.