Does anyone have details on what background checks usually entail? Do employers look for specific dates of employment or just the months? Or are they just checking to see if you worked there ever? Curious to know what details they're actually looking for. Can they also see work history (consulting gig, job that you left after a few months because it wasn't a great fit, etc) that isn't on your LI/resume?
This is helpful. I have done the reference checks and good call out on the backchannel reference check. I'm most concerned about a job I had for a couple of months that I left off LI and resume. Just wasn't the right fit and wasn't what I was sold. I feel its easier to focus on the other great things on my resume than a short gig that was just the wrong fit. Quiet_Beaver_9000 mentioned that it could surface due to social security wage data so I'm wondering how often employers check that?
Take this with a grain of salt because it all depends on the vendor/process your future employer is using. Generally employers are just looking to confirm that you worked where you said you worked. Depending on the vendor/process they will either return month/year or exact dates. Typically an employer wont look into experiences not listed on your resume or linkedin but technically some of the vendors could surface those old jobs based on social security wage data.
Thanks for the info here. I'm more concerned about a job I had for a couple of months that I left off LI and resume. Just wasn't the right fit and wasn't what I was sold.
do you know how often employers check SS wage data from prior years??
Unfortunately people often exaggerate or lie on their resumes. That's why companies perform background checks to verify your identity, work history, education, and qualifications, ensuring everything matches up with what you've provided. Depending on the role, they might also look into criminal records (for safety reasons), credit histories (particularly for financial positions) or driving records if relevant to the role . Additionally, some employers include drug tests or reach out to references to gauge your work ethic and character. The specific checks vary based on the job, industry standards, and local regulations, but the aim is always the same: making sure you're the right fit.
Well there are multiple types of background checks - many companies may require a criminal background check which will pull up anything criminal related in your past. It sounds more like you are asking about a reference check. In which case you can and should be able to provide multiple POSITIVE references from your earlier career, particularly those who may have managed you in the past. The hiring team may also do a backchannel reference check from their network if there is overlap with their network and your network. Those are kind of the 'under the table' conversations that they want to have because they know you're references are of course only going to provide positive feedback. Let me know specifically what you're referring to and we can provide more clarity.