Employment Verification Background Check: What You Need To Know

Employment verification background checks confirm a candidate’s employment history, verifying that their job titles, dates of employment, and duties are accurate. Employers use the process to confirm that candidates possess the right experience and credibility, and to mitigate the risk of hiring candidates who exaggerate their skills. Employment verification helps prevent fraud, meet industry standards, and enables organizations to make informed hiring decisions.

What Is An Employment Verification Background Check?

An employment verification background check is a process used by employers to confirm a candidate’s past employment history, including job titles, dates of employment, and job responsibilities. Its primary purpose is to verify that applicants have accurately listed their work experience, thereby lowering the risk of hiring people who lie on their resumes. Employment verification helps employers assess a candidate’s dependability, qualifications, and suitability for a position, while ensuring compliance with industry standards and relevant hiring laws and regulations.

Why Is Employment Verification Important For Employment?

Employment verification is crucial for employment because it confirms job titles, tenure, and duties, ensuring that a candidate’s work history is accurate. The process helps companies determine if a candidate is experienced, trustworthy, and honest, thereby reducing the likelihood of hiring someone who misrepresents their credentials. Verifying past employment helps organizations adhere to the rules of their industry, prevents fraud, and fosters a productive workplace.

How Does Employment Verification Work?

Employment verification involves contacting a candidate’s past employers to verify information such as job title, dates of employment, and job duties. The process involves speaking directly with HR departments, reviewing official records, or utilizing third-party verification services. Additionally, employers use various types of employment background checks to verify a candidate’s work history, identify any gaps in the information, and ensure compliance with legal and industry standards. 

Are Employment Verification Checks Needed For All Jobs?

No, employment verification checks are not needed for all jobs, as their necessity varies depending on the employer, business, and job requirements. Positions that may require specific experience, security clearances, or regulatory compliance, such as those in banking, healthcare, and government, often necessitate employment verification to verify a candidate’s work history. 

How To Conduct An Employment Verification?

To conduct an employment verification, follow the steps below.

1. Obtain Consent. Ensure you have written permission from them before checking the employee’s work background.
2. Collect Details. Gather important information, such as the company name, job title, work dates, and contact details for the supervisor.
3. Contact the Employer. Contact the HR staff or the former employer to verify employment information.
4. Use a Third-Party Service. Hiring a background screening company can help expedite the process and enhance the accuracy of the check.
5. Document and Review Findings. Write down the results of the checks and fix any problems found before hiring someone.

What Does Employment Verification Show?

Employment verification can reveal a candidate’s job title, length of service, duties, and, in some cases, depending on the company and applicable laws, their pay history. It verifies that the candidate’s information is accurate and matches the company’s records. Employment history does affect hiring choices because mistakes found during verification raise questions about trustworthiness and lower the candidate’s chances of getting the job.

How Far Back Does Employment Verification Go?

Employment verification typically spans seven to ten years, but it may extend further if the employer’s rules, business standards, and job requirements permit it. Local labor laws and data retention policies govern the time frame, ensuring compliance with privacy laws.

When To Conduct Employment Verification?

Employment verification must be conducted during the pre-employment screening process, typically after a candidate has been offered a job contingent upon satisfactory completion, but before they start working full-time. It is a crucial part of human resources’ responsibilities to verify a candidate’s work experience, ensure their resume is accurate, and determine whether they are qualified for the position. Employers often conduct employment verification when evaluating promotions, security clearances, or internal transfers to confirm the accuracy of information.

How Long Does An Employment Verification Take?

Employment verification typically takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on factors such as the responsiveness of the candidate’s former employers, the complexity of their work history, and the verification method used. Some verifications are completed within two to three working days, while others may take up to two weeks or longer if the records are difficult to locate. Delays in the process can occur due to factors such as outdated contact information, unresponsive HR offices, or manual verification processes. 

Is It Easy To Verify Employment?

Yes, it is easy to verify employment because most businesses keep records of former employees and offer verification through HR departments or third-party services. Employers verify job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving by contacting former employers or using databases of verified employers. Challenges arise when a business shuts down, records are outdated, or the company has rules that prohibit the sharing of certain information.

What Are The Benefits Of an Employment Verification Check?

The benefits of an employment verification check are listed below.

• Confirms Work History: Verifies the accuracy of a candidate’s past job titles, duties, and dates of work.
• Reduces Hiring Risks: Prevents fake job applications and makes sure the candidate has the right experience.
• Improves Hiring Decisions: It gives accurate information that helps employers make smart hiring decisions.
• Ensures Compliance: It meets the legal and business standards for checking work history.
• Protects Company Integrity: It keeps the company from being sued or having its image damaged by fake credentials.

Is Employment Verification For Employment Legal?

Yes, employment verification is a legal process, as employers can check a job candidate’s work history to ensure they meet the job’s standards. Employers must follow privacy laws and regulations, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), when using third-party verification services that require permission from the applicant. Some states and countries have even stricter rules about what information about an employer can be shared, such as pay history or the reason for termination.

Will An Employment Background Check Show Undisclosed Jobs?

Yes, an employment background check may reveal undisclosed employment, depending on the thoroughness of the check and the sources used. 

How Can Job Candidates Prepare For An Employment Verification Background Check?

Job candidates can prepare for an employment verification background check by ensuring their resume and job application accurately reflect their work history, including the correct positions, dates of employment, and company names. They should notify their former employers or HR departments about potential calls for verification to avoid delays. Keeping copies of offer letters, pay stubs, or tax documents can help if past employers are unable to verify employment.

How Can Shield Screening Assist With Employment Verification Background Checks?

Shield Screening provides employment verification as part of its background check services. They offer a variety of screening options, including the verification of previous employment details such as job titles, employment dates, durations, and responsibilities. Shield Screening helps employers make informed hiring decisions through thorough and compliant screenings tailored to various industries.