Answer

What do employers look for in a background check?

Employers can look for a variety of things in a background check including but not limited to education/employment verification, SSN/i9 checks, or prior federal, state, or county convictions. Although employers can customize their background check policies, depending on the industry or state laws, they have to abide by certain practices to maintain compliance.

Not all background checks are the same and those quicker, cheaper screenings you come across online won’t offer the same in-depth research for an applicant. Most employers use comprehensive background checks, like DISA’s, to ensure accuracy and prevent any mix-ups with aliases.

Background checks often include a criminal history search at a minimum. However, depending upon the nature of the job, for persons in more sensitive, high-level positions or those dealing with vulnerable populations, it may also include investigation of credit reports, sanctions checks, sex offender checks, and/or driving history.

Background checks also may include verification of previous employment, education, professional licenses, and personal or professional references.

Background screenings can vary greatly depending on what is required of certain positions, industry standards, and state laws. DISA's products include:

  • Criminal History Checks (Federal, State, and County)
  • Civil Searches (Federal and County)
  • SSN Validity Checks
  • Employment Verifications
  • Education Verifications
  • I-9 and E-Verify
  • State Driving Records
  • Professional Licenses and Credentials
  • Credit Reports
  • Adverse Action Notices
  • Personal Reference Verifications
  • Government Sanctions Lists
  • Sex Offender Searches
  • DOT Testing History
  • Criminal Investigative Services