What Shows Up on a Background Check for Employment?

Employment background checks help employers verify candidate information and identify potential hiring risks before making a decision. Depending on the role, industry, and screening package, background checks may include several types of searches and verifications.

In this guide, we’ll explain what typically shows up on a background check for employment and how employers use this information during the hiring process.

For a complete overview of employment screening, see our Complete Guide to Employment Background Checks for Employers.

What Information Is Included in an Employment Background Check?

An employment background check may include a combination of screening components designed to verify a candidate’s identity, qualifications, and history. The specific information included can vary depending on the employer’s requirements and the nature of the position.

Common components include:

• Criminal record searches
• Employment verification
• Education verification
• Professional license verification
• Motor vehicle records
• Drug testing (when applicable)
• Identity verification

Identity Verification

Identity verification helps confirm that the candidate is who they claim to be. This may include:

• Social Security number trace
• Address history
• Identity validation checks
  
  

Criminal Records

Criminal background checks may reveal records such as:

• Felony and misdemeanor convictions
• Pending criminal cases
• In some cases, arrest records

Employers typically evaluate criminal history based on its relevance to the job, the severity of the offense, and how much time has passed.

Employment Verification

Employment verification confirms a candidate’s work history, including:

• Previous employers
• Job titles
• Dates of employment

This helps employers ensure that candidates have accurately represented their experience.

Education Verification

Education verification confirms academic credentials such as:

• Degrees earned
• Schools attended
• Graduation dates

This is especially important for roles requiring specific educational qualifications.

Professional License Verification

For regulated roles, employers may verify:

• Professional licenses
• Certifications
• License status (active, expired, suspended)

This helps ensure compliance with industry requirements.

Motor Vehicle Records

For positions involving driving, employers may review:

• Driving history
• Traffic violations
• License status

This helps assess risk for roles that require operating a vehicle.

Drug Testing (When Applicable)

Some employers include drug testing as part of the hiring process to support workplace safety policies. Drug screening requirements vary based on company policy and applicable regulations.

What Employers Typically Do NOT See on a Background Check

Not all information is accessible through employment background checks. In many cases, employers do not see:

• Medical records
• Salary history (restricted in many states)
• Expunged or sealed records (depending on jurisdiction)
• Personal financial information (unless a credit check is authorized)

Employers must also comply with federal and state laws that regulate what information can be reported and used in hiring decisions.

Do All Background Checks Include the Same Information?

No.  Background checks can vary significantly depending on:

• The role being filled
• Industry requirements
• Employer policies
• State and federal regulations

Employers often customize screening packages to align with the level of responsibility and risk associated with a position.

How Employers Use Background Check Results

Background check results are used as one part of the overall hiring decision. Employers typically evaluate:

• Accuracy of candidate-provided information
• Job relevance of any findings
• Compliance with company policies
• Applicable legal requirements

To learn more about how employers evaluate screening results, see our guide on What Disqualifies Someone in a Background Check.

Learn More About Employment Background Checks

Understanding what shows up on a background check is just one part of building an effective hiring process.

For a complete overview of how employment background checks work, including compliance requirements and best practices, visit our Complete Guide to Employment Background Checks for Employers.

VeriFirst can help

Simplify Your Background Screening Process

Employers looking to streamline hiring and maintain compliance can benefit from working with an experienced background screening provider.

VeriFirst helps organizations conduct employment background checks efficiently while supporting compliance and faster decision-making.