What is a soft background check?
Asked by: Jonathon Volkman | Last update: July 8, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (23 votes)
Employers or other organizations might run a soft background check to get an overview of a candidate's history without digging too deeply into sensitive information. It typically pulls less data than a comprehensive check, focusing more on general details like identity verification or public records.
What does a soft background check mean?
A soft credit pull, also known as a soft inquiry, is a type of credit inquiry that does not affect an individual's credit score. Soft credit pulls can include employment verification, pre-employment screening, and tenant screening.
What type of 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.
What is a red flag on 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 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 ...
What Does an Employment Background Check Include?
What is considered a failed 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.
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 are yellow flags on a background check?
Generally though, a “yellow flag" means that the screening found some derogatory information, but nothing that satisfied any criteria for automatic disqualification. Think of a warning versus an error; one indicates something that you should watch for, and the other indicates an actual problem.
Do employers call 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 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 far do most employer background checks go?
Criminal background checks for employment might go back for seven or 10 years in most states. A few states allow for unlimited reporting of conviction records.
What is a level 1 background check?
Level 1: A Level 1 background check is a background check that includes a nationwide criminal history background check through validated national database sources, and a check of the National Sex Offenders Public Website. It may also include a local criminal records check through local law enforcement agencies.
What is SoftCheck?
Unlike regular criminal background checks, SoftCheck searches global data sources that are publicly available and is not limited to country-specific checks. All Canadian businesses can perform this lightweight search.
What is a soft approval?
A soft credit check, also known as a soft inquiry, is when someone checks your credit report for informational purposes, such as a background check or pre-approval for a credit offer. It does not impact your credit score.
How long does it take to do a soft background check?
Background checks typically take between one to five business days to complete. However, the exact timing can vary depending on several factors. The type of background check you request affects how long it takes. Basic checks may be completed in one to three days, while more comprehensive checks take longer.
How do I know if I will 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.
What is a Level 2 background check for employment history?
This type of check is designed to be much more extensive. Employers will require Level 2 background checks for certain jobs to ensure they hire a trustworthy employee with a clean record. These checks evaluate the candidate honestly and look past any embellishments or lies that may have made their way onto a resume.
Do they contact current employer during background check?
We will never contact a current employer without first having full permission from a candidate. When candidates are completing our forms, we will specifically ask if we can contact their current employer.
How do you know if you failed 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.
What would pop up on a background check?
Common additions to these basic checks are driving records, credit history, sex offender database, professional licenses and sanctions, and drug screening.
What is the orange flag on a background check?
Orange not a Red Flag? A bad reference is not always a red flag, requiring immediate rejection, but it is often an orange flag deserving investigation. For example, the most common reason that people are fired is for poor performance/not meeting targets after employee evaluation.
What state does not do background checks?
Wyoming: Known for its individualistic approach, Wyoming does not mandate background checks in many scenarios, offering employers more freedom but also more responsibility in their hiring decisions. Montana: This state takes a similar approach, placing the onus on employers to decide when and how to conduct checks.
Does TSA hire felons?
Hiring With the TSA
They will also look at any criminal convictions. You may be disqualified from working for the TSA for a period of time or permanently, depending on the crime you were convicted of or whether you are wanted or indicted for a felony.
What is a disqualifying felony?
"Disqualifying offense" means a conviction for: Any offense that is a felony; a sex offense as defined in this section; a crime against children or persons as defined in RCW 43.43.