You can swear on your dog and promise up and down that you're a trustworthy person, but chances are, a potential employer isn't going to just take your word for it. For many roles, a background check will likely happen before they officially welcome you aboard. So, what do employers look for in a background check? Well, that depends.

What dings your record for one job might not have the same effect in a different job. Meaning that if you were convicted of a crime relevant to the job's responsibilities, you'll set off a red flag. Plus, some industries need to check your background more diligently, such as those in which you work with children.

The good news is that you have some protection as a job seeker. Employers must receive written permission from you before running a background check. If anything in the report leads to the company deciding against hiring you, the employer must inform you and provide you with a copy.

With that in mind, there are some red flags that generally make companies hesitant to hire job candidates. So, what do employers look for in a background check? Read on to learn what can cause a failed background check after a job offer is put in front of you.

What Do Employers Look for in a Background Check? 7 Key Areas

So, what does a background check show? The scope varies greatly depending on the employer's requirements, the type of job, industry regulations, and federal and state laws. Here's an overview of what a typical background check might reveal:

1. Criminal History

Criminal background checks are used by 94% of employers in the U.S. Employers want to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Knowing the criminal history of potential hires helps assess whether they might pose a risk to others in the workplace.

For example, people with violent criminal histories or those involving workplace crimes might be considered risks. Still, many employers take into consideration the nature of the crime and whether the job candidate received a criminal conviction.

Keep in mind that there are some industries where a clean record is of utmost importance. For instance, jobs that require high-security clearance will deny you if you committed a major offense or one that was related to addiction, mental health issues, sex offenses, or cybercrimes. It's a similar situation with jobs wherein you'd serve vulnerable populations (children and older people), such as caregiving, teaching, school bus driving, etc.

2. Drug and Alcohol Levels

A background check for employment may include a drug and alcohol test, but this depends on the employer's policies and the nature of the job. This testing is often separate from the standard criminal, education, and employment history checks that comprise most background checks.

Keep in mind that drug and alcohol testing is more common in industries where safety is a critical concern, such as transportation, healthcare, law enforcement, and manufacturing. For example, U.S. Department of Transportation regulations require drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive transportation employees.

3. Credit History

What do employers look for in a background check when it comes to your credit? Well, they're typically looking for insights into your financial responsibility and reliability. This includes reviewing credit-to-debt ratios, payment history, and overall financial management skills. In most states, employers are allowed to see your credit history before extending a job offer.

But having subpar credit isn't typically a deal-breaker unless you're applying for a financial position or a job that requires you to handle money. Another instance where your credit history might be of interest to employers is if the job allows you access to the business' financial instruments, like a company credit card.

4. Bankruptcies

A more thorough background check for employment will uncover bankruptcy filings. Still, employers can't see on a background check why you filed for bankruptcy, meaning the onus is on you to explain your financial troubles and the steps you're taking to regain your footing. Again, this will matter more for financial jobs than for non-money-handling jobs.

Most employers understand if a divorce, medical issue, or other unexpected event caused you to file for bankruptcy, but it's best to have this conversation in person.

5. Driving Records

So, what do employers look for in a background check concerning your driving skills? Well, having a couple of speeding tickets or moving violations on your driving history shouldn't be a warning sign to employers. The exception, of course, would be if you were applying for a job that requires you to drive.

Having a driving accident while you're on the clock could mean financial or legal consequences for your employer. However, if you have a traffic violation or DUI on your DMV record, be prepared to explain the circumstances to your prospective employer.

6. Employment History

Do background checks show employment history? Typically yes! This part of the process aims to confirm the accuracy of your work history as stated on your resume or job application. However, the process and extent of employment history verification varies depending on the employer's policies, the job's requirements, and the laws in the specific jurisdiction.

You may need to provide an employment verification letter. However, some background checks automatically include a report of your employment history, a list of all the companies you've worked for, your job titles, and dates of employment. Thus, your resume should be free of falsehoods and accurately reflect your work history.

7. Education Verification

What do employers look for in a background check regarding your schooling? In a nutshell, they want to ensure that the information you provided is accurate and truthful. It's a crucial step in evaluating your qualifications and honesty. It can also influence compensation decisions, especially in roles where educational attainment is directly tied to salary tiers.

When running a background check, many employers will verify your education credentials, and some will go the extra mile by asking you to show certificates of achievement or awards. Assuming you were honest about your education history on your job application, you have nothing to worry about.

How Long Do Background Checks Take?

No one likes a waiting game, so it’s helpful to be prepared for how long a background check takes. A standard background check typically takes between a few days to two weeks. A more exact time frame depends on the depth and scope of the check.

A simple employment verification and criminal record check might only take a few days. However, more comprehensive checks that include education verification, credit history, and checks on international records can extend the process.

Several factors can prolong your background check, however. The most common is the accuracy and availability of the information provided.

If you have lived in multiple locations or have a common name, it can take longer to accurately gather all the necessary details. Additionally, the response times of past employers or institutions can also delay the process.

It's important to be proactive and prepared to do what you can to aid the task by:

• Ensuring that all the information on your resume is accurate and up to date.
• Providing any requested details promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Being honest about your history and having documentation ready for any potential queries.

While waiting for a background check to be completed can induce a little anxiety, understanding that the duration is influenced by the thoroughness and necessity to ensure a safe and reliable workforce will hopefully give you some peace of mind.

Jobs That Don't Background Check

Jobs and industries that often do not require background checks usually include positions where the level of responsibility and risk is perceived to be lower. Some of the typical areas where background checks might not be as common are:

• Entry-level positions in retail or food service: Many retail stores and restaurants, especially smaller, locally owned businesses, may not conduct thorough background checks for entry-level positions like cashiers, sales associates, or waitstaff.
• Gig economy jobs: Jobs like ride-share driving, delivery services, or freelance work often have simplified screening processes. Companies like Uber, Lyft, or food delivery services may conduct some form of check. Still, these are usually less comprehensive than traditional employment background checks.
• Art and creative fields: Many positions in the arts, such as artists, musicians, and writers, particularly those working freelance or on a project basis, may not undergo background checks.
• Agricultural jobs: Farm labor and other agricultural roles sometimes do not require background checks, particularly for positions that are more labor-intensive and have lower security risks.
• Manual labor and construction: Some manual labor and construction jobs may not require extensive background checks, especially for roles that are considered low risk in terms of security or financial responsibilities.
• Housekeeping and maintenance: Jobs in housekeeping and basic maintenance, especially in smaller establishments, might not always involve thorough background checks.