Can a company do a background check before an interview?

Federal law does not prohibit employers from conducting background checks before an offer of employment is made. State laws, however, may have restrictions. Although in most states a standard background check can be conducted prior to an offer, a small number of states do not allow it.

Why do they do a background check before an interview?

You can lower the chances of making a bad hire by conducting background checks before you make employment offers to candidates. It will reveal any details the person may have hid or been dishonest about during the interview process so your company only invests in honorable people.

What happens on a pre employment background check?

An employment background check can include, but is not limited to, a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening. If the position is specialized, applicants and employees may undergo further screenings.

What kind of questions do employers ask for background checks?

An employer may ask you for all sorts of background information, especially during the hiring process. For example, some employers may ask about your employment history, your education, your criminal record, your financial history, your medical history, or your use of online social media.

Can a potential employer use a public record in a background check?

When a potential employer conducts a background check, laws in most states prohibit the use of certain information in hiring decisions. While access to information that is a matter of public record cannot be restricted, use of certain public records in hiring decisions may be prohibited.

Is it illegal for an employer to ask about your background?

Unless the employer is asking for medical or genetic information, it’s not illegal to ask you questions about your background, or to require a background check.

Do I have to give my permission to get a background check?

You don’t have to give your permission, but if you’re applying for a job and you don’t give your permission, the employer may reject your application. If an employer gets a background report on you without your permission, contact the FTC (see below).