A background check is a pre-employment requirement by some private companies and government agencies.
Also known as a background investigation, it is the process of looking up and collecting criminal records, commercial records, and financial records of an individual as part of his or her employment candidacy for a company or organization.
Generally, not all companies include credit history as part of the background check, but most include criminal records, education, references, certifications, and relevant licenses. Most of this information is public and can be accessed and viewed by anyone who is interested. Although they can be requested in some instances and for specific industries or positions, medical records are usually off limits in a background check.
The records are compiled and assessed during a background check to determine a person's dependability and eligibility for the position. Background checks are a common part of the hiring process for both private companies and regulatory bodies, although they must request and receive written permission from the person before doing the check.
Synonyms
background investigation
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