What Is Background Information?

Michelle Wilson - January 30, 2024

You will likely undergo a background check at some point in your lifetime. Online data highlights that in 2021 alone, background check providers did 411,575,054 checks through the NICS. However, rather than a catchall term, it is worth noting that a background check may differ between providers, priorities and the information they choose to include. Consider that employment history is a key factor in some cases, whereas social media takes a leading role in others.

Background information in the context of a background check refers to the comprehensive verification of an individual’s personal, educational, employment, and criminal history.

Background Information Defined

Background information in the context of a background check refers to a comprehensive collection of details about an individual’s past experiences, behaviors, and qualifications. The scope of background information typically encompasses a person’s educational history, criminal background, credit history, and more. It provides a holistic view that aids decision-makers in assessing an individual’s suitability for various roles, identifying potential risks, and ensuring the safety and integrity of various transactions and relationships.

A background check involves systematically gathering and verifying this information from diverse sources. This may include checking official records, scrutinizing credit reports, and reviewing social media presence. The goal is to establish an individual’s reliable and accurate profile, allowing entities to make informed decisions while minimizing risks associated with potential tenants or individuals involved in various transactions. Done right and thorough background information becomes fundamental to promoting transparency, ethical decision-making, and creating secure environments in both professional and personal settings.

Types of Background Information

When conducting a comprehensive background check, various facets of an individual’s history come into focus. This section delves into the distinct types of background information that contribute to a proper assessment.

Personal Information

Gathering basic personal details provides a foundational understanding of an individual’s identity and whereabouts. This includes full names, current and past addresses, and contact information. The Social Security Number (SSN) serves as a unique identifier, verifying an individual’s identity and ensuring accuracy in background check results.

Educational Background

During this phase, background check providers will validate the information provided by the candidate, ensuring the accuracy and legitimacy of claimed educational credentials. This involves contacting educational institutions to confirm attendance dates, earned degrees, and academic distinctions. The process may include obtaining official transcripts, consulting third-party verification services with established ties to educational institutions, and checking professional licensing boards for relevant certifications. The goal is to construct a detailed and accurate representation of the candidate’s educational history, offering employers valuable insights into their academic achievements and dedication.

Beyond formal qualifications, scrutinizing an individual’s educational background provides a deeper understanding of their commitment and excellence in academic pursuits. This scrutiny extends to evaluating transcripts for detailed records of courses completed and grades attained. Moreover, background check providers may explore online platforms, directories, and professional networking sites to cross-reference educational information. Reference checks also play a role in this phase, allowing employers to verify academic qualifications through conversations with individuals who can attest to the candidate’s performance and dedication during their academic journey. However, as part of the background check, it is worth noting that 8.6% of education discrepancies are due to incorrect dates.

Employment History

Employment history is enough background information that is part of the standard check. In most cases, it includes details about past employers, job roles, and the duration of each employment stint. Understanding the specific roles and responsibilities undertaken by an individual in previous positions sheds light on their skill set and suitability for the role.

This type of check is common, with public data from 2022 suggesting that over half of Americans, or 42.6 million, admit that they have lied on their resume at least once. Of these, it is interesting to note that certain industries were more likely to face dishonesty, with manufacturing being the most likely to lie at 72%, followed by creative positions at 63% and healthcare at 62%.

Criminal History

Next on the list is information pertaining to someone’s criminal history, which includes information related to legal offenses, convictions, or pending charges. As per online data, an estimated 70 to 100 million Americans possess a criminal record. To get these details diverse avenues, such as criminal databases and legal records, are explored to gather this information.

It is worth noting that several laws and regulations govern background checks to ensure adherence to ethical practices.

Credit Information

Another piece of information is an individual’s credit history, which people use to gauge how responsibly an individual manages financial obligations, such as loans, credit cards, and other debts. A credit report typically includes details about payment history, outstanding debts, credit limits, bankruptcies, and any late payments. This information aids in evaluating an individual’s ability to meet financial commitments and overall fiscal health.

Driving Records

This background information delves into an individual’s history on the road, providing valuable insights into their driving habits, compliance with traffic regulations, and overall roadworthiness.

A thorough examination of driving records includes an overview of various aspects such as traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and any instances of reckless driving. This scrutiny becomes indispensable for positions where driving is a primary responsibility, such as delivery drivers, chauffeurs, or those operating company vehicles. Individuals involved in carpooling arrangements, rideshare services, or volunteer opportunities where driving is a key component are often the most likely to divulge this type of background information.

Professional License Verification

Within the comprehensive landscape of background checks, one vital component involves the verification of professional licenses. This specific category of background information is particularly significant for roles that mandate specific professional credentials. The process entails confirming the authenticity and validity of licenses required for a particular profession or industry.

Professional license verification helps businesses uphold the standards and qualifications necessary for specialized positions. This step ensures that individuals in roles such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, or other licensed professionals possess the requisite credentials to perform their duties competently.

Social Media

During social media screening, investigators explore public profiles to understand how individuals present themselves, the nature of their online interactions, and the content they share. This process aims to unveil aspects of behavior and character that may not be apparent through traditional background check methods. Information obtained from social media platforms can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s personality, interests, and potential red flags.

Sources of Background Information

As you, or a background check provider, investigate the different types of information, it raises questions about the source of these details. Although the places information may come from may vary depending on the intent of the search, it is worth noting there are differences in using social media, which may hold some bias, to public records, which are typically more factual.

Public Records

All actions undertaken by state and local governments generate public records. Public records refer to documents or information that is not deemed confidential and pertains to the activities of governmental entities. The foundation of both the federal Freedom of Information Act and state public records laws is rooted in the fundamental premise that citizens should have visibility into the operations of the government. Consequently, each state has unique nuances within its public records law, delineating what qualifies as a “public record request” and specifying the information accessible to the public.

As a source of information, public records offer insights into an individual’s legal and civic history. These records encompass a range of data, including marriage and divorce records, property ownership details, and court proceedings, providing valuable context to the background investigation.

Credit Bureaus

A credit report is a comprehensive document containing details about an individual’s credit-related activities and their current financial standing, including the repayment history of loans and the status of various credit accounts. These documents typically come from a credit reporting entity or credit bureau.

These agencies are responsible for gathering and maintaining financial information submitted by creditors. These creditors encompass lenders, credit card companies, and other financial institutions. The credit report serves as a consolidated record, offering a snapshot of an individual’s creditworthiness and financial behavior based on the data provided by these diverse financial entities.

Educational Institutions

Background check providers typically contact educational institutions directly to confirm the details provided by the individual under scrutiny. This may involve contacting universities, colleges, vocational schools, and other educational entities to verify enrollment status, graduation dates, and the degrees or certifications earned. By engaging in this direct communication, background check providers can authenticate the educational achievements of an individual, offering employers, educational institutions, and other entities a clear and accurate representation of the individual’s qualifications.

Criminal Databases

Criminal databases serve as the most common resource for uncovering an individual’s potential criminal history. Access to these databases allows for identifying legal offenses, convictions, or pending charges, contributing significantly to the overall risk assessment during the background check process.

How Far Back Does A Background Check Go?

Background checks typically cover a specified timeframe, and the extent can vary based on the check type and the entity’s policies. In general, background checks commonly focus on the past seven to ten years of an individual’s history. However, certain elements, such as criminal convictions, may have a longer reporting period or be subject to specific regulations.

How Can I Ensure the Accuracy of My Background Information?

Ensuring the accuracy of your background information should be top of mind since it directly impacts aspects of your life. Here are some practical tips to help you verify the accuracy of your background information and address any discrepancies that may arise:

Request a Personal Background Check

Obtain a copy of your background check to review the reported information. You can do this by requesting a copy of your records from a background check service or by contacting the screening agency directly.

Verify Personal Details

Next, you will want to cross-check all personal details, including your name, address, and contact information. Keep in mind that any typos or inaccuracies can result in misidentification, confusing various contexts such as official records, financial transactions, and communication. Inaccurate personal details may lead to delays, misunderstandings, or even errors in processing critical information.

Confirm Employment History

Reach out to previous employers to verify the accuracy of your employment history. During this process, pay close attention to key details, including job titles, dates of employment, and the specific responsibilities associated with each role. The goal is to ascertain that these details align with what you wrote on your resume since even a small discrepancy might become a red flag, even if it was an honest mistake or, even worse, a typo.

Compliance with Legal Requirements

Familiarize yourself with local, state, and federal laws governing background checks. Adhering to legal requirements not only protects the rights of individuals but also shields the person conducting the test from potential legal liabilities.

How Long Does Background Information Stay Relevant in the Context of Background Checks?

The relevance of background information in the context of background checks is subject to various factors that determine its lifespan and impact on decision-making processes.

Understanding the timeframe during which background information remains pertinent involves exploring key considerations and influencing factors.

Nature of the Information

The information type in question determines its relevance. Certain aspects, such as criminal convictions, may have a longer-lasting impact on decision-making than other factors like employment history or credit inquiries.

Recency of Events

Recent events often hold more weight in background assessments. Employers, landlords, and other entities may prioritize information from the last few years to better represent an individual’s current circumstances and behavior.

Industry and Position

The industry and position applied for can influence the relevance of background information. For instance, sensitive roles in finance or security may necessitate a more thorough examination of an individual’s background, and certain details may remain pertinent for a more extended period.

Legal Requirements

Legal regulations and industry standards play a significant role in determining the timeframe for the relevance of background information. Some industries may have specific requirements regarding the recency of background checks, especially in sectors with strict compliance standards.

Individual Circumstances

The individual’s personal and professional circumstances can impact how long certain information remains relevant. Positive changes, such as rehabilitation or improvements in financial stability, may influence the weight assigned to past events in the decision-making process.

Can I Provide Explanations or Dispute Findings?

Individuals often wonder whether they can explain or dispute information discovered in their background check. The answer is yes, although it requires a few additional steps.

Explaining Discrepancies

If you encounter inaccuracies in your background check, most screening agencies provide an avenue for you to explain or provide context for the discrepancies. This is particularly crucial when facing gaps in employment, unusual circumstances, or instances where the reported information may not accurately reflect your true background.

Disputing Findings

In cases where you believe the information in your background check is incorrect, many agencies have established procedures for disputing findings. This typically involves submitting a formal dispute, often accompanied by supporting documentation that contradicts the inaccuracies. If you are on the receiving end of a background check, remember the onus is on you to adhere to the specific guidelines outlined by the screening agency to maximize the effectiveness of your dispute.

Finding Proper Support

Performing a background check independently is feasible, but it’s a time-consuming process with inherent risks. You might need to personally visit courthouses in each jurisdiction, complete record response forms, and await replies. There’s also the chance of relying on inaccurate or incomplete information for your decision-making. For this reason, many experts recommend that you use a reputable background check provider to help you glean the necessary background information.