Why Am I Getting a Background Check? 3 Common Reasons Explained
Landing the job is exciting, but before it’s official, many employers require a background check. This blog breaks down the three most common reasons why: to verify identity, criminal history, and confirm your employment and education.
The job is yours! Time to pop the champagne and celebrate! Hold on…the offer is contingent on a background check? You have never had one of these before. Why are they doing this? What exactly does this entail, and what do you need to do to prepare?
Don’t worry – background checks are very common and are done by organizations across the globe. Employers want to be sure they are hiring the right person and are avoiding risks. The most common types of background screening performed on employees are criminal record checks, ID verification, and employment and education verification. The company hiring you wants to know that you are who you say you are, that you are being truthful about your past employment, and if you have a criminal record. These checks are usually done by a third-party consumer reporting agency (CRA), sometimes also known as a background screening provider, like HireRight. Here, we’ll discuss these types of background checks in detail and go over some of the things you might need to prepare for them. You got this!
Criminal Record Checks
Criminal record checks are the most widely used type of background screening worldwide. The 2024 HireRight Global Benchmark Report reveals that criminal record checks are conducted by 89% of employers in the United States, 91% in Europe, and 87% in the Asia-Pacific region.
The background screening provider may search county, state, or federal courts for criminal records, depending on what your potential employer has asked them to do. How far back in history they go is determined by the employer’s requirements and state, region, or local laws. The reasons for an employer requesting a criminal record check on a potential employee vary. In some cases, state or local laws may require it. In other cases, the employer has other reasons for wanting to check your criminal record history, like risk mitigation.
How can you prepare?
For criminal record checks, if you are certain that there is not going to be any criminal history uncovered in your past, there is usually little you need to prepare for. If you do have a criminal record, you may want to consider being honest and proactive. Consider preparing a brief and professional explanation accounting for your history, or putting together documentation you may want to provide the potential employer as they assess your criminal history. Focus on what you have learned, what your qualifications are, and how you have changed since then.
ID Verification
Identity verification in background checks are so that employers know you are who you say you are. There may be various reasons for this, depending on the region, industry, or laws where you are employed.
Many industries, particularly those involving financial services, healthcare, and government work, have strict regulatory requirements around identity verification.
How can you prepare?
You may be asked to provide your driver’s license, government-issued ID, or passport, or other documents, so have them ready.
Employment and Education Verification
For the past few years, employment and education verification checks have been the most popular checks in EMEA and the APAC region. Employment verification is also on the rise in the U.S., with over half of employers screening for it in 2024.
Employers verify education and employment history to help them be sure they're hiring qualified and trustworthy individuals. Verifications attempt to confirm the candidate's credentials, experience, and skills. This process helps employers evaluate whether a candidate possesses the necessary qualifications for the role.
Beyond qualifications, verification plays a vital role in mitigating risk. Hiring someone with false credentials can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal issues. Verifying employment history can uncover potential red flags, while education verification ensures candidates have the education and degree they claim to have. Additionally, certain industries have regulatory requirements for certain types of verifications, and they can help demonstrate an employer's commitment to compliance and creating a safe workplace.
How can you prepare?
Before your verification begins, make sure you have key details and documents ready. Employment Verification: Have your employment dates on hand, along with supporting documents like pay stubs or tax forms; these can help speed up the process. Education Verification: Have the dates ready, and be prepared to provide copies of your certifications or degree, if requested.
Background checks may feel intimidating at first, but they’re simply a routine part of the hiring process designed to protect both you and your future employer. Whether it’s verifying your identity, confirming your qualifications, or reviewing your criminal history, background screening helps organizations make informed, confident hiring decisions. By understanding what’s involved and knowing how to prepare, you’ll be ready to move through the process with ease, and one step closer to starting your new role.
Release Date: April 24, 2025
HireRight
HireRight is a leading provider of on-demand employment background checks, drug and health screening, and electronic Form I-9 and E-Verify solutions that help employers automate, manage and control background screening and related programs.