Thread: What gets investigated on an employment background check?

Hopefully we've got some HR gurus in here, I briefly scanned google but didn't find anything concrete right away...

Not an HR guru, but I can say that it depends on the employer and who they pay to do the background check.. I've had two run background checks on me in the last few years and was given the results. Both checked criminal records and financial records. One of them also included some public records.

How about international travel history? I've had a somewhat long gap without a job and my last one was overseas, I've extended my time there on my resume to narrow that gap a bit. I figured there would be no way a background check would be so thorough as to check international travel history, at least I hope so. Douche thing to lie, I know, but times are tough and I've gotta do what I've gotta do

Originally Posted by kba4life2

How about international travel history? I've had a somewhat long gap without a job and my last one was overseas, I've extended my time there on my resume to narrow that gap a bit. I figured there would be no way a background check would be so thorough as to check international travel history, at least I hope so. Douche thing to lie, I know, but times are tough and I've gotta do what I've gotta do

How about robbing banks instead of lying?

they will check everything on your resume and your criminal background where you have lived over the last 7 years (iirc). They cannot check credit any longer unless it is specific to the job that you are applying for (like working for a bank).

it is possible they will also do a social media search on you as well.

Originally Posted by kba4life2

How about international travel history? I've had a somewhat long gap without a job and my last one was overseas, I've extended my time there on my resume to narrow that gap a bit. I figured there would be no way a background check would be so thorough as to check international travel history, at least I hope so. Douche thing to lie, I know, but times are tough and I've gotta do what I've gotta do

I don't think your international travel history is a public record that can be searched.

Depends on the job. I know it sounds like a general answer but it is the truth. A large company with a reputation and money to protect, might check everything from drugs to your Facebook friends. A smaller company might not have the budget to do an in depth check and will more than likely look at your resume as the bigger indicator in hiring. You would be surprised at the amount of background checking that can be done, do not lie. Most employers know that times have been tough and that there could be gaps in between jobs on resumes. Do not be afraid of that gap, use it. Did you care for a sick loved one? Did you take care of children? Go back to school? Show that you had responsibilities.

Just to avoid any surprises, lol, I put my extensive criminal history in front of my lack of education. Might as well get it outta the way. Besides, I learned some useful skills from dealing with the court system.

They'll check to see if you ever went to letsgokings.com.

If so, you're SOL.